We Don't Fight Alone

Oh, how in our youth we were blinded in selfishness, isolation, and pride as we made no room to love God or to serve others. We were once planting weeds; there was no life, no fruit, and no growth. When we trusted to follow Christ 14 years ago, we surrendered to our own agenda, our timeline and accepted the Lord's direction and his best plan for our life. In our early walk we wrestled in our flesh like the Israelites wandering in the desert after leaving the bondage in Egypt. We wanted to look back at the "luxury" of what we once had but forgetting the bondage of how it once ensnared us. The ease of self-sufficiency and the comfort of our pride led us to isolation. But God was pruning our hearts and minds to let go of what once was, and to walk in obedience to Jesus.

Over the years the Lord has allowed us to grow deeper in trusting that His plans are better than our plans would ever be. We have been entrusted by God to steward the time, resources, and talents that God blesses us with to advance the gospel. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And then second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 37-38). We praise God for the sweat, tears, and discipleship that the Lord has done in our hearts to work within us as we have lived to love God and love others. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

As we are in the battle of cancer this second season, we know we aren't fighting alone. We are humbled to receive and honored to be a witness as our church family wrapped us up in prayer this late July. We praise God for the community of believers we share life with our family and friends that are loving us well in this season.

As the day's progress through this journey of unknowns our bodies and minds can grow weary, but through prayer and petition of others, we can stand with confidence and endure.

In Exodus 17: 8-16 Moses is standing on a hilltop with the staff of the Lord held above his head as the Israelites battle one of their enemies. If Moses’ arms were held up, they were victorious. When his arms began to weaken and fall, they would begin to start losing the battle to their enemy. In his own strength Moses could no longer hold his arms, as his physical body got weary and his arms began to weaken, but Aaron and Hur came and helped by supporting them so that the Lord could have victory.

The Lord is my banner: Jehovah- Nissi

" I lift my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth"

(Psalms 121:1-2).

We have a real battle waging war around us. We are fighting a physical battle of cancer and a spiritual battle of who you are going to trust while you’re battling. As we are presented with each day, we are given the opportunity to look at the war waging in front us. We choose to hold the banner of the Lord above our heads and praise him even when it is hard. "Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18). There are going to be many days ahead that will be difficult, but we know we are not fighting alone.

"And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

Philippians 1:14

Archie's share with Stonepoint Church on July 21, 2025