Dig In Your Heels

 

Have you ever competed in a game of tug of war?

In one of the youth groups I attended as a teenager, we were known as the tug of war champions at the summer camp we went to. The volleyball tournaments and go-kart races were not where we excelled, no matter how hard we tried. It was only the tug of war match that won our youth group trophies.

Now, we were not necessarily the champions because we had the biggest and strongest guys on our team, although we did have some of those. The reason for our victories was due to the fact that, once our team got on the sandy terrain where they would be competing, they would begin to dig their feet into the sand. You could not even see their feet by the time the competition commenced! The other teams never noticed nor attempted to do the same. It was the winning secret that delighted our youth group for years.

The best way to prepare to win is to anchor your feet. Your body position must be balanced in order to withstand the pressure that will come from the pull of the opposing team.

The same is true in the fight of faith.

I recently was praying and asking the Lord what to do about a situation that I have been standing in faith a long time for.

He told me, "Dig in your heels. You have been standing a long time and the pressure will be greater than ever to give in. Re-anchor yourself because victory is on the horizon. The enemy is going to do everything he can to try and make you quit right before the breakthrough. You need to stand firm."

The longer a fight is, the more crucial endurance becomes.

The longer you are standing against pressure, weariness becomes a threat.

"Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in."

Galatians 6:9 (Amplified Bible)

The closer you get to the victory, the more you need to be aware of the opposing team's position and tactics. The closer you are to winning, the more desperate they will be to throw you off balance.

"Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong."

1 Corinthians 16:13 (Amplified Bible)

How do you dig in your heels and equip yourself to endure spiritually? By anchoring your heart and mind in God's Word.

His Word balances you. It anchors and strengthens you.

It is your Coach, so to speak, speaking directly to you. 

You cannot endure all the way to a victory without His Word.

"Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do."

Psalm 1:1-3 (New Living Translation)

Your heart will be refreshed and your strength renewed when you fix your gaze on the Lord. 

You need time in His presence.

You need the help of His Holy Spirit.

"For I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”

Jeremiah 31:25 (Berean Standard Bible)

"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31 (New Living Translation)

"But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired."

Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified Bible)

The Holy Spirit is a necessary aide in your fight of faith.

Praying in the Holy Spirit builds your faith by training your spirit man's muscles of faith.

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit."

Jude 1:20 (English Standard Version)

"But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come."

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (Amplified Bible)

Just as physical endurance requires discipline and training, spiritual endurance requires the same.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. 

Determine in your heart that, no matter the winds of opposition that may blow around you, you are going to anchor your feet to stand firm in Jesus.

It's time to dig in your heels to win.

Cheering you on,

Rose-Élise Melodie