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Press In

Writing is the way I process things and I also know that there is power in the things we speak. Revelation 12:11 talks about overcoming the enemy by "the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."

The enemy would have us believe our stories are too whatever. Too crazy. Too unrelatable. Too shameful. Too embarrassing. The enemy would like nothing better than to isolate us! By speaking what is going on in our lives and how God is molding us and what we battle, we remove the enemy's power to isolate.

2020 has brought much growth and we are only headed into our third month. I feel like I have lived a few lifetimes in just the last two months. My theme of the year has been, "Press in."

God is building me up in leadership in my church. My relationships are stronger. I view myself different. I know who I am. But this has not come without cost. So I have to press in.

I have had to drop some things to make room for what God has called me too. I have had to learn the difference between good and great. The distractions are real and do not always come disguised as awful things. So I have to press in.

The enemy is very real and is constantly attacking. God is also growing me and their are growing pains. So I have to press in.

I have had to make a couple decisions that I thought would crush me. I have been pushed well beyond where I would have told you my limit is ... physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. So I have to press in.

Press in to what? Press into God. Press in to worship. Press in to the Word. Press in to who God says I am. Press in to God's faithfulness in the past to know He will do it again. Press in to God's love to know I am so very loved by the Father. Press in to God's peace; for it truly surpasses all understanding. Press in to the One who does "abundantly more (Ephesians 3:20)" and whose "grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)," when I feel I can't.

Does this feel good? No. No. No. No. No! Absolutely not! A root canal would be better!

But is God good? Yes and amen! More than words could ever describe.

The more I press in, the more comfort and assurance comes. The more equipped I am to face and win the every battle. 

There is a song called "Surrounded (Fight My Battles)." I will attach a link to it from Youtube at the end of this. I do not own any of the lyrics or have any rights to the song. The lyrics have ministered to my soul many times. 

"It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by you. 
This is how I fight my battles."

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13

If you feel defeated today, press in. If you feel attacked today, press in. If you feel you are in a good place today, press in. If you feel alone, press in. If you know our God is good, press in. Don't quit! Don't give up! Don't lose heart! Victory is coming! Press in!


Surrounded (Fight My Battles)
Michael W. Smith

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