Inspired by "The Hunger Games"...

Okay, so with the semester ending and Summer school not starting until the first week of June, I found myself at a need for a good read. I saw the movie The Hunger Games back when it first came out, but I hadn't got around to reading the series just yet. I picked up the first book on Monday, finished it in 2 days, and have already purchased and began the second book! There's just something exciting about reading a good adventure book packed with action!

I am such a nerd sometimes due to the fact that I try to relate to each of the characters as much as possible--sometimes even pretending that I am the character right in the middle of the story.

In this case, it was Katniss Everdeen that I felt particularly attached to. I worried as she went to battle. I felt sympathy as she experienced hunger and lonliness. And I silently cheered her on all the way to victory.

Isn't our own life crazy similar to that of The Hunger Games? I mean, not in the same sense that we are stranded alone in the woods left to "fight to the death." But it is similar in the same fact that we are in constant battle with the world and as Christians, we are all striving to receive our eternal reward.

What does God say about being alone? "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of age."-Matthew 28:20
Just like Katniss felt overwhelmingly lonely, we often feel the exact same way. But the awesome thing is...God is with us wherever we are. He is the friend who walks in when the world walks out.

What does God say about life's battles? "For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."-Deuteronomy 20:4
Unlike The Hunger Games, our fight is not against flesh and blood, but it is against evil forces.

When you find yourself in the midst of a war, do not be afraid. Call on Him in prayer and allow Him to deliver you.

We don't need a spear, a bow and arrow, or a sling-shot to fight our battles here on earth. We have the Lord Jesus Christ as our shield of protection, and He is always victorious! Sometimes He will lead you to shelter for safety and restoration. Other times He may ask you to join Him on the front line in the heat of the battle.

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."-Psalm 32:7

My challenge for you today: Keep your eye on the prize! And like I always say--the war is fought and WON on your knees!

Stay tuned...

B