The Fiercest Battles Come Before the Greatest Victories
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
Have you noticed how the fiercest opposition often rises just as you are about to finish something important, or when a door of breakthrough is swinging wide open?
It is no coincidence. From the beginning of Scripture to the end, we see a pattern: whenever God’s people are on the verge of promise, the enemy rushes in to resist, distract, and derail.
Think of Nehemiah. As the walls of Jerusalem neared completion, his enemies intensified their threats (Nehemiah 6:1–9). They mocked him, tried to lure him into traps, spread lies about him, and did everything possible to stop the work. Why? Because the enemy knows the power of a finished work. An unfinished wall cannot protect a city, but a completed wall stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Or consider Jesus. After forty days of fasting, just as His public ministry was about to begin, Satan came with relentless temptations (Matthew 4:1–11). The timing was no accident. The adversary knows that if he can wound you at the threshold, he might keep you from stepping into the very calling God has prepared.
Why the Attacks Intensify at the Finish Line
The enemy fears completion. He is not threatened by dreams left undone, but he trembles when you persist to the end.
The enemy seeks to weary you. Fatigue, discouragement, and confusion are his tools, hoping you will lay down what God told you to carry.
The enemy knows testimony is birthed in breakthrough. Your faithfulness under fire will glorify God and encourage others.
Paul’s words remind us: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
Standing Firm in the Fire
Hold fast to God’s promises. Like Nehemiah, refuse to come down from the wall. The work is too great (Nehemiah 6:3).
Strengthen yourself in prayer. Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness with the Word of God. When the attack comes, speak truth louder than lies. Pray. Focus on the Scriptures and declare them.
Remember the pattern. Breakthrough often comes after the fiercest resistance. What feels like the end is often the doorway to God’s next chapter.
Encouragement to Press On
“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7–8
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Reflection Questions
What “wall” am I building that the enemy is trying to tear down?
Where have I experienced the strongest opposition when I was close to finishing something God gave me?
Am I tempted to quit just before the finish line?
How can I strengthen my response in moments of warfare? Prayer, Scripture, or seeking support from others?
A Prayer
Lord, when the battle rages strongest, remind me that You are my refuge and my strength. Give me endurance to finish the work You have called me to, and courage to press on when opposition rises. May I never give in to fear or weariness, but hold fast to Your Word until the breakthrough comes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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The enemy is subtle, relentless, and often strikes hardest when we are nearest to victory. That is why discernment is vital, and why we must recognize his schemes. In my book, “Sin the Great Joker”, I talk about how God equips us to overcome. This book will remind you that you are not alone and that God’s Word holds the strategy for victory.
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31 Days of Jesus’ Teachings | August Reading Plan
Themes: The Heart, Commands, and Kingdom Principles of Christ
Let His words search your heart, strengthen your faith, and establish your steps.
Focus:
• The Sermon on the Mount
• Commands of Christ
• Parables with Kingdom insight
• Teachings on love, prayer, humility, and discipleship
Reading Plan:
Day 1 – Matthew 5:1–12 (The Beatitudes)
Day 2 – Matthew 5:13–16 (Salt & Light)
Day 3 – Matthew 5:21–26 (Anger & Reconciliation)
Day 4 – Matthew 5:27–37 (Heart Issues: Lust & Oaths)
Day 5 – Matthew 5:38–48 (Love Your Enemies)
Day 6 – Matthew 6:1–18 (Giving, Prayer & Fasting)
Day 7 – Matthew 6:19–34 (Treasure & Trust)
Day 8 – Matthew 7:1–14 (Judging, Asking, Golden Rule)
Day 9 – Matthew 7:15–29 (True Disciples & Foundation)
Day 10 – Luke 6:27–36 (Radical Love & Mercy)
Day 11 – Luke 6:37–49 (A Tree & Its Fruit)
Day 12 – Matthew 9:35–38 (The Harvest Is Plentiful)
Day 13 – Matthew 10:5–20 (Instructions to Disciples)
Day 14 – Matthew 10:21–33 (Fear God, Not Man)
Day 15 – Matthew 11:28–30 (Come to Me & Rest)
Day 16 – Matthew 13:1–23 (Parable of the Sower)
Day 17 – Matthew 13:24–43 (Weeds & Wheat)
Day 18 – Matthew 18:1–9 (Childlike Faith & Sin)
Day 19 – Matthew 18:21–35 (Forgiveness)
Day 20 – Luke 10:25–37 (Good Samaritan)
Day 21 – Luke 11:1–13 (Teach Us to Pray)
Day 22 – Luke 12:22–34 (Do Not Worry)
Day 23 – John 6:26–40 (Bread of Life)
Day 24 – John 8:1–11 (Go and Sin No More)
Day 25 – John 8:31–36 (Truth Sets You Free)
Day 26 – John 10:1–18 (The Good Shepherd)
Day 27 – John 13:1–17 (Washing Feet)
Day 28 – John 13:34–35 (A New Commandment: Love)
Day 29 – John 14:1–14 (I Am the Way)
Day 30 – John 15:1–17 (Abide in Me)
Day 31 – Matthew 28:16–20 (The Great Commission)
Here begins a season of deeper boldness, wisdom, and unwavering truth.
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Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
