Contending

I found myself extremely distracted this past month. With so many family activities, the precious time I used to spend daily conversing with God was drastically reduced. I didn’t want my time with Him to wake anyone too early, and when others were awake, I wanted to be fully present for each cherished moment with them. I told myself, you’ll get that quiet time back soon enough — but I didn’t. And I think I know why. In the midst of it all, I failed to recognize the enemy quietly lurking, ready to pounce and keep me from that sacred time with the Lord. The spirit of distraction was quick at hand.

I know for a fact that I faced some spiritual attacks. And I confess, I didn’t stand as steady as I’ve often told myself I would — firm on the Word of our Savior.

Friends, Scripture reminds us that walking with God requires being intentional, steadfast, and faithful, especially in the face of opposition, distraction, and hardship. As Jude 1:3 says: I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Jude was reminding believers that faith in God isn’t something we hold passively, it must be defended, guarded, and nurtured. To contend means to struggle earnestly and give it your all. It means staying rooted in truth when false teachings or doubts arise. It means choosing obedience even when culture or emotion pulls in another direction. Our emotions must never lead us. We guard our time with God through prayer and His Word, because the reality is, we face spiritual opposition daily. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world. — Ephesians 6:12

Contending for our relationship with God means recognizing that resistance is real: spiritual, emotional, and worldly. That’s why Paul calls believers to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). A very wise lady once told me that her feet never touch the ground in the morning until she’s put on the full armor of God. What a powerful example! I’ve tried to remember that each day.

Truth keeps us anchored. Righteousness protects our hearts. Faith shields us from discouragement. And the Word of God—our sword—defends us against lies. The enemy wants us to believe those lies because they separate us from the close relationship with God that our souls crave. But James 4:8 tells us, Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Contending isn’t about fighting against something...it’s about pressing toward Someone. It’s the daily, deliberate effort to seek His presence in prayer and to study His Word, not out of duty, but out of love. It’s turning from sin and anything that creates distance between us and God. When trials come, Hebrews 12:1–2 encourages us to run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Your relationship with God is like a lifelong race. There will be seasons of weariness, questions, and even silence, but contending means not giving up. Fixing our eyes on Jesus keeps us from being distracted by pain, pride, or discouragement. My purpose is not for my glory, but for God’s. When my feelings get in the way, I’m tempted to place myself ahead of Him, and that’s never a winning place to be. John 15:4–5 is a great reminder of this, Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Contending for your relationship with God is ultimately about abiding, staying connected like a branch to the Vine. That connection takes time, intention, and space to be with Him daily. It means trusting His goodness even when life feels hard and allowing His Word to shape your choices.

Remember this as you contend:

• Guard your faith from deception and distraction.

• Fight spiritual battles through prayer and truth.

• Pursue intimacy with God daily.

• Persevere through hardship by fixing your eyes on Jesus.

• Abide in love and obedience, bearing fruit for His glory.

So, get back up — today is a new day!

Sisters in Christ,

Amy