“I came, I saw, I conquered,” were the famous words
of Julius Caesar in 47 BC. He was describing his victory in the Battle
of Zela in his speech to the Roman Senate. From what I understand, that
terse sentence was the full text of the speech. Wow.
You’ve gotta admire a man of few words. He gotter done.
Here are some modern takes on the famous phrase, thanks to Writing 101.
Veni, Vidi, Visa — I Came, I Saw, I went shopping
Veni, Vidi, V8 — I Came, I Saw, I went very quickly
Veni, Vidi, Volley — I Came, I Saw, I played tennis
Veni, Vidi, Vamoose — I Came, I Saw, I Left
Veni, Vidi, Fiji — I Came, I Saw, I ran away as far as possible
Veni, Vidi, VCR — I Came, I Saw, I went home and rented the video
Personally, I identify most with the “Vamoose” version, because when I see a battle coming my way, I like to turn tail and run.
But
there are battles to fight every day: The housework. The traffic.
The laundry. The dishes. Balancing the checkbook. Getting children to
brush their teeth, do their chores, be kind to each other. Fatigue.
The same 5 pounds from last year. Spiritual apathy.
Sometimes, when my M.O. is “I came, I saw, I thought about it,” I can think of a million reasons NOT to get in there and conquer. I’m tired. I’m busy. I’m not in the mood. My pants are too tight. It’s not a good hair day.
The longer I consider the situation, weigh my options and think about the alternatives, the less likely I am to just strap it on and get. it. done.
But sometimes you’ve just got to get your game face on and duke it out.
Oh Yeah. Bring It!
What’s your battle today? What’s mocking you, bringing you down, defeating you before you even start? Let me remind you that your battle is really the Lord’s battle. He is fighting for you.
Listen to 2 Chronicles 20:15-17:
He said: “Listen, King
Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the
LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast
army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass
of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of
Jeruel. You will not
have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see
the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be
afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the
LORD will be with you.’ “
Make today the day you set out to conquer something you really don’t feel like dealing with. Take on an “action” mindset that gets you into position, and commit yourself to the Lord. Remember, HE is fighting for you and WITH you!
Rachel Anne
Name your battle and we’ll fight with you in prayer today.
