Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel like you are fighting battles alone

You Are Not Fighting Alone
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

—Exodus 14:14 (ESV)

Think about the last time you felt wronged.

Perhaps someone said something about you that wasn’t true or maybe you were looked over for a promotion when you were the most qualified. Whatever the situation was, I would think it’s safe to assume that your reaction wasn’t to be silent. Instead, I would guess that you became more vocal, possibly even rudely opinionated, as a response to the discrimination. I know I would because there are enough examples in my past where that was my default.

I felt unjustly treated and so I made it my focus to make that known along with why I was correct. Looking back, I realize I let my flesh take over. My need to defend myself was an attempt at preserving my pride. I had to come out as the “right” party to come out on top no matter the cost. It was always about me. My ego. My efforts. My image.

I forgot that God was ever in the picture because I often forgot to invite Him in. It wasn’t until I really began to study God’s Word (The Holy Bible) that I understood I am never alone, especially when in the middle of a fight. The Lord will fight for me and He will fight for you!

Yet, sometimes that looks quite differently than what we picture. Instead of raising our voices, it’s choosing to bite our tongues. Instead of pressing for retaliation, we pursue peace. Taking such an approach goes against our natural state. It requires the Holy Spirit and offers us an opportunity to walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

But how does one fight in such a manner? By remembering who God is and trusting that He is fighting alongside you. He will go before you and make a way. He will send people to speak on your behalf. He will expose lies that need to be brought to light to restore your name. All while you remain silent.

What a beautiful promise to stand on when it feels as if the world is against you! Rest assured, my friend, even if it is, our Lord has already won!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I am never fighting alone. You are always by my side and focused on what is best for me. Help me to walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit when faced with conflict so that I can be a witness to Your power and love. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Battles” by The Afters. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/