I learned a new word this week.
shadowboxing :: an exercise used in the training for combat sports, especially, as its name implies, boxing. It is used mainly to prepare the muscles before the person training engages in stronger physical activity. In shadowboxing, only one person is required to participate; the participant throws punches at no one in particular. (Wikipedia)
It may be a new word to me, but it’s in no way a new activity. I can’t say I’ve ever laced up boxing gloves, and I’ve never stepped in a boxing ring.
But without a doubt, I’ve done my share of shadowboxing…
With the girl who made years of my youth miserable by her hurtful actions.
With my sweet husband as we floundered at loving each other in our early years.
With the young man who hurt my daughter.
With the “church people” who almost rocked my faith.
As I’m studying Revelation in Bible Study Fellowship this year, my eyes have been opened to profound spiritual truths I’ve never understood before. The spiritual world, the world we can’t see, affects more than most of us realize. The enemy of my soul wages war against me and everyone else who believes in the One who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus.
It’s no wonder opposition is common. It’s no wonder my family has been the brunt of attacks. It’s no wonder we today experience aggression and aggravation. Even though it may appear like it, it’s not people who are the ones attacking. It’s not those around us who we battle against. No, not our spouse, or a rebellious teenager. Not our neighbor or our co-worker. Not even our in-laws or the person who cuts us off in traffic.
We battle against what’s behind the visible.
We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 VOICE
This is some deep stuff for a Thursday! Stuff many of us don’t care to think about. When I “battle” physical opponents, I’m battling the wrong source. It’s as if I’m shadowboxing, and just throwing punches into the wind.
There’s a better way.
God has powerful weapons for us to use: His Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, His Word and Prayer. God’s way to battle is far better than mine. He sees what I cannot. There’s no shadowboxing going on in His corner.
So instead of shadowboxing, let’s pull out God’s Word. Instead of “battling” against what we see, let’s pray about what we don’t. Let’s stand firm in our faith and resist evil. And let’s allow God to do His mighty work and battle for us.
It’s time to hang up our gloves, and reach for God’s Word. It’s time to step out of the ring, and bend on our knees.
Cheering you on in your faith today, my friend!
Much love,
Julie
Linking this post with Suzie Eller and the #livefreeThursday community. You’ll be blessed to visit there today!
“Hang up the gloves and reach for God’s Word.”
Wise words here, Julie, and my heart was ready to hear them today!
Thanks!
Michele, thank you so much. My heart needed to hear them today too. May I hang the gloves up for good. Hugs to you!
There IS a better way to battle, sister! Thank you for this truth today! #livefreeThursday
Hey, Crystal! Yes, a much better way. Thanks for stopping in and for your encouragement!
“God has powerful weapons for us to use: His Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, His Word and Prayer.” Amen Julie! Great reminders for me today. Thanks for sharing at #livefree!
Hi Lauren! I’m thanking God for His weapons today. May I just remember to use them! Thanks for being here. Bless you!
Love this, Julie. : )
Thank you, Suzie! Thank you for hosting us for #livefreeThursday! Always a joy.
Well, perhaps…but I always found that a Bible and a Barrett M82 worked pretty well together.
I love your humor, Andrew. Yes, those would work pretty well. Blessings, brother.
“It’s time to step out of the ring, and bend on our knees.” Love this! When we take the time to actually bow before God, instead of throwing up a quick, desperate plea, offer it all to him and really let it all go… Oh what it does for ones spirit!
Amen, my friend. There’s nothing like it. I just need to remember to bend on my knees first. It’s always a blessing to see you here, Kim. You are loved and appreciated!
There is such freedom in letting go and letting God take on our battles. It’s not always easy, but He always proves to handle it so much better than I can. Great encouragement here!
I’m with you, Tiffany. Letting go and letting God. The best way. Thanks for stopping over today!
“Instead of “battling” against what we see, let’s pray about what we don’t.” Love this Julie!
Hi Michelle! Thank you. Praying is a powerful tool. May I remember to do that first. Thank you for being here today!
Thank you for the reminder to stand firm in my faith and resist evil! I love “step out of the ring and bend on our knees” – so powerful. I found your page through Suzie’s link up!
How is the BSF Revelation study going?? I was unable to attend this year, but I bet it is amazing! I’ve been going through Priscilla Schrier’s Armor of God study and she really gets into this whole “shadowboxing” thing. Not in those exact words, but the study has helped me tremendously! Life is so much easier when you get your focus off the decoys and onto the true enemy!