I slayed a dragon tonight.

Last week, our mentor charged us to step on the battlefield as warriors waging battle against the wicked foe seeking to destroy our hopes and dreams. As knights in the King’s service, we can defeat the dragon of resistance as we purpose to press forward into the fight.

I found the analogy inspiring. All week long, I’ve brandished my sword and boldly stepped up to the challenge. So far, I’ve conquered the behemoth of dirty laundry and the fiendish fire-breathing creature that continually cajoles me into pushing the snooze button.

Snooze button, you will not win the best of me. Laundry, prepare to be washed and folded by a Warrior Princess.

Tonight, I chopped the head off of the leviathan of lethargy always lulling me to lounge on the couch rather than exercise. I will sweat with sword raised high.

Maybe you have a dragon or two lurking around your territory that you’d like to take down. Here are some suggestions on how to suit up and slay your sneaky enemy.

4 Keys to Slaying Your Dragon

Stop Listening to the Soundtrack of Defeat

Replace negative and fearful thoughts full of doubt with the power-packed promises of God’s Word. Ingesting a healthy dose of Truth always trumps the enemy’s tall tales.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (II Corinthians 10:3-5, ESV)

Start Praying for Boldness

Fight on your knees. Invite the Holy Spirit to infuse you with resurrection power. Death and the dragon are no match for your Deliverer.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while you stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

Seek Out other Sword Fighters

Find your tribe. Tackling a fiend is best attempted when fierce warriors are standing beside you. Lone Rangers never last long on the field of battle.

“But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” (Jude 1:17-23, NLT)

Sing and Shout a Victory Song

Nothing extinguishes a dragon’s fire more than praise. Put on worship music and make a joyful noise. At the end of each day, take a look back and record the ground you’ve gained as God fights your battles for you. Review the written record on dark days to remind you how far you’ve traveled. Remember that your enemy is already defeated, and he is on a very short leash.

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (Acts 16:24-25)

Don’t let the enemy destroy your dreams. Pick up your sword and defeat the dragon.

Are you ready to fire up your faith?

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