At 25, who’d be brave enough to say they still believe in monsters? Yeah, me neither. Twenty years ago, my mom would rush to my room when I’d see the monsters in my closet, reassuring me that if I don’t believe in them, they don’t exist. It worked when I was 5, but decades and experiences later, ignoring them seems to feed them. A different breed of monsters ...

Fighting these monsters, acknowledging them by name, is one of the hardest races to run. Almost breathless … over every hurdle … I speak:

Fear.

Doubt.

Self-Defeat.

Insecurity.

Temptation.

Monsters, as large as mountains. I’ve faced these often … 

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across the song “Monsters” by Joy Conaway. I immediately began to wonder whom the singer/songwriter was serenading: God? A significant other? Herself? It’s rare that a song can fluidly present an expression that speaks to so many aspects of life.

I hum the words to myself, almost in worship. Could this be to Him? THE HIM?!

The race to God, is not an easy one. I’ve fought monsters, more than those acknowledged, in pursuit of a closer relationship with Him.

Fear would distort the truth that He will accept me, flaws and all. Doubt would cloud the declaration that I’m His worthy daughter. Self-defeat: believing that each mistake would tear us apart, backing me into a place of isolation. Insecurity … “Am I deserving of His promises?” Temptation gleaming it’s appeal to the sinner I try to hide.

But how amazing is the encouragement of James 1:12?! 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

Trials do come, monsters do arise, villains do approach, but perseverance and strength are available, through Him. We’re not alone or ill equipped. Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to put on the full armor of God as we fight against these monsters.

And what’s the best part? Victory is ALWAYS the end result. Jesus has already overcome ANY monster you can possibly think of, and declared that it’s already a fight that will be won. I’m amazed.

So no matter how many monsters I fight, running towards Him, I’ll conquer them … each and every time. 

And so will you. 

Peace.