What does the word contending mean? I looked it up and the dictionary said:
- To struggle against difficulties.
- To assert and maintain.
- People of God, assert your position in the Lord.
We need to affirm what the Word of God says. We need to pronounce what He had declared. We need to maintain our efforts and hold on to what we are positioning for.
All of the underlined words are verbs, words of action that were synonyms to the word contend. Be active in your faith.
- Contend as one, and for the One.
- We need one another and must stand together.
We were told, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (Philippians 1: 30)
Paul is sharing his heart and his burden and conflict with those who oppose him.
- Opposition often paves the way for many.
- Contending will push us through.
(Shared from Philippians 1: 12-30, Modified)
A Lament Expression
Often the prophets would give a passionate expression of our grieving God over the kings of the nations and their people that are living in rebellion.
Ezekiel says concerning the princes (kings) of Israel, “What a lioness was your mother among the lions! (Ezekiel 19: 1)
The personification is that Israel is the lioness. He recalls, “Your mouth was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water. Its borders were strong, fit for a ruler’s scepter.” (Ezekiel 19: 10)
As the prophets were speaking against the nations, pointing out their rebellion, many were also contending for them in prayer. Consider Jeremiah as he was commissioned to cry out and that he did, developing the name, the weeping prophet.
(Shared from Ezekiel 19, Modified)
Contending For The Stubborn
God knows about dealing with stubborn children! Isaiah was sharing the heart of God as he said, “Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth. For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off.” (Isaiah 48: 9)
Hear the heart of our God, as He is calling His children who have gone astray. “Come near and listen to this: I am the Lord who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you would have paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48: 16, 18)
Look at the parent-like heart of Father God.
- Our God understands our if only’s.
Today, God is still contending for the lives of His children, contending for those who need to come and contending for those to be one. How does He contend? Through us! Let your prayers contend for what God wills.
(Shared from Isaiah 48, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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