ALWAYS FIGHT TO THE END

Some time ago when I still patronized Cracker Barrel, my good friend Don and I were engaged in a friendly battle of checkers. As these games progress, they usually become less “friendly” and more of a “battle”.

Now, Don is a sharp guy who’s always figuring things out. He once owned a semi-conductor business, he does most of his own mechanic work on complex modern cars, and he tackles electrical problems with confidence. Contractors in Europe seek his advice. So I knew I was in over my head when we started the game.

There were jumps, double jumps, and sacrifices. We got down to a few kings and singles, so the moves became slow and deliberate. It was taking more time than we had thought, but I was determined to do my best with each move and not throw the game. Finally, I saw a chance to trap my opponent and did so to win the game. I didn’t celebrate; I respect my talented friend too much for that. But I was surprised that I won.

That game is like our lives. The devil (or his agents in one form or another) tell us, “You might as well not fight it, you can NOT match my ability”. We often buy that lie and lose the battle unnecessarily. I won the checker game with a superior opponent simply because I gave my best effort until the end. Jesus said in Matt 24:13 “He that endures to the end will be saved.” Rev. 12:11 says we will overcome the devil “by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony, and we love not our lives unto the death.”