A Prayer to Contend for the Faith
By Laura Bailey
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” - Jude 1:3 NIV
The book of Jude is a small but powerful letter to believers. Tucked right before Revelation, this one-chapter book is easily overlooked. But one would be remiss if they didn’t study Jude and soak in its powerful message of perseverance in the faith and gospel reminders of our eternal hope. Jude understood the spiritual war that wages in our minds and acknowledged the daily battle that wears on our souls. He wrote to a group of believers under immense spiritual attack and being fed false teachings. I can relate to these early saints because while my heart is fully committed to serving the Lord, the battle between my ears is a constant drum of doubt, half-truths, and full-on lies that I must surrender to our Heavenly Father daily. Jude loved the Church and desperately wanted to remind them of their salvation and strengthen them as they resigned to follow Christ. And how does one contend for their faith, to stand firm against spiritual attacks, seen and unseen?
We turn away from evil and meditate on God’s word.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. ( Psalm 1:1-2).
We renew our minds daily to conform to God’s will.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ( Romans 12:2).”
We fellowship with other believers.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ( Proverbs 27:17)”
Staying committed to our faith among life’s trials, spiritual attacks, and difficult circumstances takes work. But, as children of God, we can be encouraged and driven by our salvation in Christ to keep contending for the faith ( 2 Timothy 4:7).
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation. We are so undeserving of Your grace and mercy, yet, while we were still sinners, You sent Your son to die so that we could have eternal life. In immeasurable love for Your Children, before the beginning of time, You created a way for us to be redeemed and restored; thank You. This life offers many distractions, illusions of happiness, and false promises of peace and joy- we ask for strength to pursue the eternal over the temporal. Let us not waver in our faith like shifting sand but instead firmly plant ourselves on the solid rock of Christ. Lead us as we seek to be the salt and light of this world, guide our paths, and direct our words and actions, bringing You glory and honor.
Lord, if anyone in our lives doesn’t know You as a savior, we ask that You send Your Spirit to draw them to the Father. We are vessels, use us for Your service, grant us the words to say, the courage to boldly proclaim the Gospel, and grace and mercy for those who mock or persecute us. Give us discernment to distinguish Your Truth from those who engage in lies. May we easily recognize those sent to deceive and cause doubt and confusion among the people. Forgive us when we fall short, help us to be more like You today, show love to all, and extend grace and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/pamela_d_mcadams
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Saturday, 27 May 2023.
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