October 28

”Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 1:3 NIV)

The Bible makes no secret of the fact that a believer's life includes struggle. Several scripture verses urge us to battle for our faith. Judas feel especially compelled to write to the called and make them aware of this fact, because false teachers had snuck in among the Christians. There is a spiritual struggle, and many forces want to undermine, discredit or explain away the simple gospel, that Jesus is the only way to God, - that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and that every person can be saved, if one only believes this truth, gives their heart to Jesus and invites Him to have dominion in their lives.

A battle is about winning or loosing. There is no neutral position. It’s about fighting until one is defeated or until one wins. The battle for our faith is partly about defending our faith against external aggression. But it is above all to fight to preserve the belief in the profound truths in my own mind. Anyone who maintains the belief has prevailed. Jesus who knows our weaknesses promise in Matthew that ”A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory”.

Prayer

Lord help me to do my part in the battle for faith, - that it be preserved against external aggression and that I will stand firm in faith in You as Savior of the world.