the battle is already won

Jesus won every battle when He shed His blood and gave His life on the cross for us.  So why am I always exhausted from the fight?  I didn't get it, until this morning.  When I started out on my run, I said, "God, I really want to hear from you this morning."  And He answered with some awesome analogies and a revelation in my spirit that the battle is already won!

Right at the end of my first mile is a hill that always slows me down.  At the top of the hill is a pole with a basketball hoop, and I keep my eyes on it as I work my way up.  I know once I reach that pole, the worst part of my run is over!  There are 2 life lessons here.  There will be an end to the fight, even if I can't see it.  And, I must keep my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith.  I just have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. 

And that is the hard part for me!  My focus is easily deterred by the distractions that the enemy sends my way.  I stop to engage in swordplay and fancy footwork with the devil's minions and I lose my focus.  I get exhausted and overwhelmed.  I focus on me instead of my Savior.  I forget that Jesus already won this battle and every one that is to come. 

In my last mile today, I looked ahead and saw a big German Shepherd coming toward me.  I am not afraid of dogs, but I didn't know this one and I was a bit wary.  I slowed to a walk and tried to avoid him, but he followed me.  I didn't want to run, because I didn't want him to chase me.  Completely and totally distracted from my goal, I was focused on getting this dog to leave me alone.  Finally, I summoned my toughest teacher voice and said, "NO!  GO HOME!"  I had to say it several times, but eventually, he turned and trotted off.

This is the second analogy God gave me.  The devil sends big dogs my way to slow me down or stop me and make me lose my focus.  Jesus already fought those battles and won by His blood!  I just need to say, "NO!  GO HOME!" to those dogs and keep moving forward!  I am safe and protected in the shadow of the Almighty Who won the battles for ME!