“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

-Jesus, John 10:10

Christ followers live in the tension of assured victory through Jesus while also having to fight spiritual battles every day. In Jesus, we are already “more than conquerors,” yet we are also called to “fight the good fight of faith.”

This means we’re celebrating life and fighting for it at the same time.

How’s that supposed to work?

Joshua is a great example of a believer who successfully embraced this tension. Joshua was a pioneer and a settler of the Promised Land. He led others in the mission to discover and enjoy the new life God had given them.

But to do this he also had to be a warrior. Upon arrival at the land of blessing, Joshua fought hard and long to rid it of its antagonists. They did not go politely or quietly.

They never do.

The account of Joshua’s conquest is impressive. He and his army came into the land of Israel like a steamroller.

But if you didn’t know better, you would think that it all happened in a single day. Be assured, it did not. Joshua got it done, but he was “waging war for a long time to accomplish this” (Joshua 11:18, NLT). Although the story only takes a couple of pages in Scripture, for Joshua it took a lifetime. After every victory, another enemy would eventually pop up on the radar. Even when Joshua was an old man, there were still battles yet to fight.

So much for retirement ; )

Chances are, you’re a bit fatigued from the battles you’re fighting today. If so, you are definitely not alone. Remember that life in Christ involves an ongoing struggle against all that is hostile to the reign of Jesus – the world, our old nature still holding out, and the devil. This unholy trinity wouldn’t dare allow you to claim what is yours in Jesus without a fight. They oppose 24/7.

This may explain why you’re tired.

But be encouraged, just as He was with Joshua, the Lord is with you. And even when you’re too tired to fight, Jesus fights for you. For now, you live in the tension of celebration and opposition. Let the hope that someday it will only be celebration – no more opposition – keep you going.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.