Keep Fighting: A Call to Persevere in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Keep Fighting Even When the Battle Is Long

There are seasons in life when the struggle seems never-ending, and the fight for hope, justice, or even personal peace stretches on far longer than we ever imagined. Just as Israel fought battle after battle—even after entering the promised land—so too do we find ourselves in ongoing struggles, whether for our families, our faith, or our future. The temptation to give up can be strong, especially when exhaustion sets in and the end is nowhere in sight. But God’s word to us is clear: don’t hang up your gloves, don’t throw in the towel, and don’t let anything knock the fight out of you. You have come too far to quit now; keep fighting, for your perseverance is not in vain. [01:35:03]

Joshua 11:18 (ESV)
"Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel weary from a long battle? Ask God today for renewed strength to keep fighting and not give up, even when you can’t see the finish line.

Day 2: Remember God’s Faithfulness in Past Battles

When facing new and intimidating challenges, it’s easy to forget how God has already brought you through before. Israel faced enemies with horses and chariots they’d never seen, but it was the same God who had already made Jericho’s walls fall, turned defeat into victory at Ai, and rained hailstones from heaven. The same God who delivered you in the past is with you now, and His track record is flawless. Let your memory of God’s past faithfulness fuel your courage for today’s fight, knowing that a new problem still has the same answer: God is able. [01:38:51]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Think back to a time when God brought you through a difficult situation. How can remembering that victory give you hope and courage for what you’re facing right now?

Day 3: Stand on God’s Promises, Not Just What You See

The enemy may look overwhelming, and your resources may seem small, but God’s word is more secure than anything you can see. When Israel saw an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore, God spoke a promise: “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them slain to Israel.” God’s promises are not coupons with expiration dates—they are receipts guaranteeing what He has already declared. Hold fast to what God has spoken over your life, and let His word be your anchor when circumstances try to shake your faith. [01:47:26]

Joshua 11:6 (ESV)
"And the Lord said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.'"

Reflection: What is one specific promise from God’s Word that you need to declare over your situation today? Speak it out loud and let it shape your perspective more than what you see.

Day 4: Realize the Power God Has Given You

Too often, we underestimate the power God has placed within us and live passively, running from the enemy instead of standing in the authority God has given. God told Israel they would hamstring the enemy’s horses and burn their chariots—He gave them power to dismantle what seemed invincible. In Christ, you have power that makes demons tremble, power to break generational cycles, and power to declare victory over every device of the enemy. It’s time to stop running and start fighting from a place of God-given authority, knowing that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. [01:56:24]

Luke 10:19 (ESV)
"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

Reflection: Where have you been living passively or in fear? What would it look like to step into your God-given authority and fight back in that area today?

Day 5: See God’s Promise Even in Your Problems

Sometimes, the very thing that looks like your greatest problem is actually a confirmation of God’s promise over your life. When Israel saw an enemy as numerous as the sand on the seashore, it echoed God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as countless as the sand. The intensity of your current battle may be a sign that God’s promise is still alive and the enemy is fighting hard because he knows what God has spoken over you. Ask God to open your eyes to see His promise in the midst of your problems, and let that vision restore your fight and your hope. [02:05:35]

Genesis 22:17 (ESV)
"I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies."

Reflection: Think about a current struggle that feels overwhelming. How might this very challenge be a sign that God’s promise is still at work in your life? Ask God to help you see His hand in your situation today.

Sermon Summary

In the presence of the Lord and among beloved family and friends, the call is clear: keep fighting. Life is a series of battles, some seen and many unseen, and the journey of faith is not exempt from struggle. Just as Israel fought for generations—through Egypt, the wilderness, and into the Promised Land—so too do we find ourselves in prolonged seasons of conflict, whether for justice, family, sanity, or simply to hold onto hope. The weight of the fight is real, and the temptation to give up is strong, especially when the battles seem unending and the opposition overwhelming.

Yet, the story of Joshua 11 reminds us that even when the enemy seems as numerous as the sand on the seashore, God’s faithfulness remains unchanged. The same God who brought down Jericho’s walls, who turned defeat into victory at Ai, and who rained hailstones from heaven, is the God who stands with us in every new challenge. The size of the problem may change, but the answer remains the same: God is able. When the fight feels longest and hardest, it is not a sign of God’s absence, but often a confirmation of His promise at work.

It is crucial to remember the victories of the past, both personal and communal, as evidence of God’s unchanging power. The word of the Lord is not a coupon with an expiration date, but a receipt—proof that what He has spoken, He will fulfill. Even when today’s circumstances are daunting, God often gives a word for tomorrow, assuring us that we will live through today’s trials because His promise covers our future. The battles we face are not just ours; they are part of a larger story, and God, the author and finisher of our faith, has already written the ending—one of victory.

Moreover, God has given us power—not to be passive, but to stand, to fight, and to see the enemy flee. The weapons formed against us may look intimidating, but they are no match for the authority and strength God has placed within us. The fight is not just for ourselves, but for the next generation, for our families, and for the fulfillment of God’s purposes. So, no matter how weary or discouraged, the call is to stay in the fight, to trust in God’s word, and to declare victory even before the battle is over.

Key Takeaways

1. Remembering God’s Faithfulness in New Battles Every new challenge may feel unprecedented, but it is not unfamiliar to God. The same God who delivered in the past is present in today’s struggle. When facing overwhelming odds, recall the testimonies of God’s faithfulness—both in your life and in the lives of those who came before you. This remembrance fuels courage and hope for the fight ahead. [98:21]
2. Trusting the Word Over What You See Circumstances can be intimidating, but God’s word is more secure than any visible reality. When fear rises because of what you see, anchor your heart in what God has said. His promises are not subject to expiration or change; they are the most reliable foundation you have, outlasting every shifting situation. [107:26]
3. God’s Promises Often Speak to Your Tomorrow God sometimes gives a word for your future while you are still in the midst of today’s battle. This means you can endure today’s pain with the assurance that God has already made provision for your tomorrow. The presence of a “tomorrow word” is evidence that your story is not over and that victory is already written into your future. [110:36]
4. Realizing the Power Within You God has not called you to be passive in the face of adversity. The authority and power He has given you are greater than any weapon formed against you. Instead of running from the enemy, recognize that you have the power to dismantle every device of the adversary and to stand firm in victory. [116:10]
5. Seeing Promise in the Midst of Problems Sometimes, the very thing that looks like a problem is actually confirmation of God’s promise. The size of the opposition can be a sign of the significance of what God has spoken over your life. If the enemy is fighting you hard, it is often because your destiny is great and God’s word over you is sure—so let your problems remind you of the promise. [125:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[76:30] - Honoring Pastor Bitton and Family
[80:00] - Gratitude for the Church and Hospitality
[81:38] - Scripture Reading: Joshua 11
[84:20] - The Call to Keep Fighting
[86:18] - Lessons from Boxing and Endurance
[89:32] - Israel’s Long Fight and Our Own
[93:09] - The Hidden Battles of Leadership
[95:03] - Encouragement to Persevere
[96:17] - What to Do When the Fight is Long
[98:21] - Remembering God’s Past Victories
[104:50] - Relying on God’s Promises
[114:41] - Realizing Your God-Given Power
[120:44] - Declaring War for the Next Generation
[124:23] - Seeing Promise in Problems
[125:52] - Invitation to Renewed Strength
[128:02] - Prayer for Strength and Victory
[131:19] - Closing Blessing and Charge to Keep Fighting

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Joshua 11:1-9, 18 (ESV) —
> 1 When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
> 2 and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west,
> 3 to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.
> 4 And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots.
> 5 And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
> 6 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
> 7 So Joshua and all his warriors came suddenly against them by the waters of Merom and fell upon them.
> 8 And the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and chased them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. And they struck them until he left none remaining.
> 9 And Joshua did to them just as the Lord said to him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
> ...
> 18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

Observation Questions

According to Joshua 11, what was unique about the size and strength of the enemy Israel faced in this battle?
What specific promise did God give Joshua before the battle began? ([01:23:25])
How did Joshua and the Israelites respond to God’s instructions regarding the horses and chariots?
In verse 18, how long did Joshua and Israel have to fight these battles? What does this suggest about the nature of their journey?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon points out that Israel’s battle in Joshua 11 was the hardest yet, with enemies “as numerous as the sand on the seashore.” Why might God allow His people to face increasingly difficult battles, even after previous victories? ([01:30:41])
The Lord tells Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel.” What does this reveal about God’s perspective on our present struggles and His promises for our future? ([01:23:25])
The preacher said, “Sometimes, the very thing that looks like a problem is actually confirmation of God’s promise.” How can opposition or difficulty be a sign that God’s promise is at work in our lives? ([02:05:22])
The sermon emphasized remembering past victories as fuel for present battles. Why is it important to recall God’s faithfulness when facing new challenges? ([01:38:21])

Application Questions

The sermon described life as a series of battles, some seen and some unseen. What is one “battle” you are currently facing that feels long or overwhelming? How does knowing that God is with you change your perspective on this fight? ([01:35:03])
The preacher said, “The same God who delivered in the past is present in today’s struggle.” Can you share a specific time when God came through for you before? How can you use that memory to encourage yourself or someone else now? ([01:38:21])
God’s word to Joshua was a promise for “tomorrow” while the battle was still happening “today.” Is there a promise from God you are holding onto for your future, even though your present circumstances are difficult? How do you keep hope alive in the waiting? ([01:50:36])
The sermon challenged us not to be passive, but to stand and fight with the authority God has given us. In what area of your life have you been tempted to give up or run away? What would it look like to “stand firm” and fight in that area this week? ([01:56:10])
The preacher said, “Let your problems remind you of the promise.” Think of a current problem or opposition you are facing. How might this be a sign that God’s promise over your life is significant? ([02:05:22])
The fight is not just for ourselves, but for the next generation and for God’s purposes. Who in your family or community might be impacted by your decision to keep fighting and trusting God? ([02:00:44])
The sermon ended with a call to declare victory even before the battle is over. What is one way you can speak or act in faith this week, declaring God’s victory in an area where you are still waiting for breakthrough? ([02:11:19])

Sermon Clips

We've been fighting for justice in a world that loves power more than people. We've been fighting for equality in systems that are built on inequality. We've been fighting for schools that educate our children and don't pipeline our children to prison. We've been fighting for the soul of a nation. We've been fighting for a nation that keeps losing its moral compass. We've been fighting to dismantle the stereotypes and stigmas like black women don't have the same brain operating power as their white counterparts. When the last time I checked, it was the brilliance of a black woman who invented home security system. It was the brilliance of a black woman that invented the hairbrush. It was the brilliance of a black woman that invented the ironing board. It was the brilliance of black people who built this nation. [01:31:47] (50 seconds) #HonoringBlackBrilliance

If I can be honest, on this sixth pastoral anniversary, what most people don't realize is that the fight isn't just in the pew. It's also in the pulpit. Because it's a fight to be a pastor. Because as a pastor, you have to fight to keep your flesh in check when people go low and your flesh wants to go lower. You have to fight. You have to fight with people who want to be the pastor and think they're the pastor, but don't carry the mantle and the weight of being a pastor. [01:33:09] (33 seconds) #PastoralStrength

You got to fight discouragement when funerals outnumber baby dedications. You have to fight comparison when you look at what another church is doing across the city. You have to fight even just to find some rest because your phone won't stop ringing with needs, emergencies and demand. It's a fight. And some days, if we're honest, we wonder, Lord, much longer do I have to keep fighting? Because I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting to keep this marriage together. I'm tired of fighting to try to keep a positive attitude and a good demeanor. I'm tired of fighting battles that no one else sees. [01:34:24] (49 seconds) #PromiseRequiresPersistence

But can I tell you, child of God, the word of the Lord for someone this morning is simply this. Keep fighting. Don't you get weary in well-doing. Don't you hang up your gloves. Don't you throw in the towel. Don't you wave the white flag and call it quits. You keep fighting. Keep fighting for your family. Keep fighting for your home. Keep fighting for your health. Keep fighting for your children. Keep fighting for justice. Keep fighting for your joy. Keep fighting for peace. Keep fighting for your future. Keep fighting for your purpose. Keep fighting for your purpose. Because if you will, if you faint not, you will reap your just reward. [01:35:13] (38 seconds) #SameGodNewBattle

I know you may got a new problem, but the good news is still the same answer. The God who opened the door for you then is the God that's going to open the door right now. The God that blessed you then is the God that's going to bless you now. The God that fought your battle then is the God that's going to bless you now. The God that fought your battle then. [01:40:06] (21 seconds) #TomorrowHoldsHope

Can I tell you why your God doesn't stunt or worry? About the problems you face? It's because God says, what's a new show to you? What's a new episode to you? It's nothing more but a rerun to me. And can I tell you the good news? God doesn't just know what happens in the episode. God is the one who wrote the script because my Bible says God is the author and the finisher of our faith. My Bible said God determines the ending from the beginning. [01:52:57] (29 seconds) #StayInTheFight

You also have to realize. You have to realize that you have power. Here it is. Look at what else God tells them. God says those horses and chariots you're worried about, you're going to hamstring those horses and then you're going to set their chariots on fire. God says these horses and chariots that have you so anxious, that have you staying up at night, that have you stressed out. God says you're going to hamstring the horses. That means you're going to cut them in their hamstring so that the horses have no power to run. But not only are you going to hamstring the horses, you're going to set their chariots on fire. In other words, God is telling them that yes, they have horses and chariots, but don't you think that their power means that you don't have a greater power. [01:54:35] (63 seconds) #CarryTheBurdenWithFaith

The problem with too many of us is that we are way too passive. The problem with too many of us is that we are too busy running from the devil rather than realizing that God has given us power to make the devil flee from us. Child of God, would you just slap fire with one of your neighbors? This is the last time I'm asking you. Would you slap fire with them and say, neighbor, I recognize that I got too much power on the inside of me be running from the devil. But I made up my mind. I'm getting ready to draw a line in the sand on today. [01:56:12] (39 seconds) #PromiseInTheProblem

Power that makes demons tremble. Power that causes tumors to shrink. Power that causes cancer to heal. Power that makes the enemy behave. Well, listen, if you know you got power, would you just help me close this sermon? Because it's time for us to get ready to fight. Do I have anybody who believes that I'm ready to fight and that if we get on one accord, because one can chase a thousand, and two can chase 10,000, Come on, if you believe it, would you just grab your neighbor by the hand and say, neighbor, it's time to declare war. Neighbor, I'm going to fight. [01:57:13] (53 seconds)

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