Battle Plan
Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Mark 1 :38-39
Though successful ministries may differ in style, format, age, size, etc., three common components are always present: vision, determination, and a sustainable strategy.
The same is true for all of us as we prepare for spiritual battle. Our styles and strengths may differ, as will the nature of the battles, but our battle plans need to be built upon those three legs.
Vision: -Jesus gave us a vision: to reach people when He calls us to make disciples. But it's easy to become so consumed by our own battles that we grow blind to the battles others are facing. Pray fervently, invest in relationships, and look for opportunities to see needs and meet them. Mark Batterson, in his book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, reminds us that "playing it safe is risky. Lion chasers are always on the lookout for God-ordained opportunities." Don't grow passive and lose your vision of the battle plan.
Determination: -Be committed to figuring out how to get it done no matter what. "Let us not become weary in doing good;' the Word encourages us, "for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 0:9).
A Sustainable Strategy: -The simple story of what happened in Capernaurn is the foundation for the most sustainable strategy that has ever been introduced into human history. No government or institution has sustained itself as long as Jesus' kingdom. Jesus taught the Word of God to redeem the people and free them from ignorance. He went and met people right where they were; right in the midst of their battles-to deliver them. Our vision is Jesus': to seek and save the lost. We must be determined to meet the challenge and reap the harvest. And finally we must have a strategy that is sustainable; one that relies not on our power, but the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you have a vision right now for reaching people? If not, what stands in your way? Talk about this with your group.
