Are You a Contender?

Philippians 4:3 (NIV) - I ask you, loyal yoke fellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul describes a group of women who worked along side him in spreading the gospel as contenders. Would someone describe me as a woman who has contended by their side in the cause of the gospel. Better yet, would Jesus look at my life and say that I am a contender?

To contend means to struggle or fight against, but, here Paul uses the word "contended" as,someone who labored for the gospel. So, am I truly a contender of the faith? Am I struggling and fighting against sin in my own life? Am I laboring in prayer for the souls of those who so desperately need to hear the gospel message? Am I fighting on my knees in prayer for my family and friends? Am I involved in fulfilling the great commission and great commandment? Am I truly a contender?

With a new year before me, it's always good to look back and reflect on God's goodness and the blessings He has so graciously given me, but, it is also good to look back and examine what I have given Him over the past year. Where have I spent most of my time, money, energy and effort? What have I contended for, the gospel or something else? What was I willing to fight and do battle for? Most of us will fight for what we want, it's just part of our selfish, fleshly nature. If I truly belong to Christ, I can no longer contend for the things of the flesh. If I do, I will surely suffer the consequences. When I stop contending for the gospel in my home, community and church I put myself and others in a dangerous place and leave the door wide open for the enemy of my soul to come in and have a field day.

What keeps me from being a contender of the faith? Sin, self, distractions, busyness, others, the good replacing God's best in my life. God is looking for those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth, those who will love Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. He is looking for those who will contend until the end. He is looking for women who will not quit, not give up, not retreat when things get tough. He is looking for women who will come alongside of His Son and contend for sake of the gospel. Will I allow Him to make me a contender?

My desire for 2009 is to be able to say by the grace of God, that I have been a contender of the gospel message, I have labored in prayer for my home, community, church and the lost world. That I have fought the good fight and kept the faith.

Oh Lord, I ask you to help me to become a woman who is known as a contender of the faith, help me to die to self and sin daily. Help me to guard my mind as I meditate on your word this new year. Give me unction like never before to take your word to whoever and wherever you lead me. Give me more of you and less of me. In Jesus name, Amen.

About Renee Peebles:

Renee is passionate about her relationship with Christ, her family and homeschooling. She enjoys writing devotions and articles on homeschooling, family and God's Word.  Her desire is for every woman to know her value and worth in Christ Jesus and begin to walk in His truth.