Have you seen the movie, Monuments Men? These men risked their lives to preserve and protect cultural and artistic objects from Adolf Hitler. Yes you heard correctly, they were willing to die to preserve what someone had deemed worthy of saving. It is amazing to me that men would die for an inanimate object that doesn’t have the ability to love or receive love, yet men and women are not willing to bring that same kind of sacrifice to save their own family.
So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
Nehemiah 4:13-14
The same thing Nehemiah told the children of Israel is the same thing the Lord is saying to you today. “Don’t be afraid of the enemy, and fight!” The enemy is coming to destroy your marriages and your children. They built a wall to protect them and fight the enemy at the same time. You are called to do the same thing.
Here is the battle plan Jentezen laid out in the book:
Strategy 1: Strip the Streaks
Check the spiritual condition of your home. If it needs cleaning, clean it.
Strategy 2: Commit to your Commitments
Do not waver or compromise in your faith.
Don’t let culture define or influence your identity, your values, or your family. page 175
Strategy 3: Live by your Convictions
Strategy 4: Fight for What’s Left
If you find your family in a rough place, determine you are going to save what is left. Anoint your home and family. Speak a blessing over your family. Serve communion in your home.
If you are behind on reading, I want to encourage you to pick back up and join me as we finish this book strong!