All true warriors face battles. Without battles, warriors would be simply theorists with no opportunity to test their skills, weapons and strength. I've had the opportunity to see jousting knights at the local Renaissance Faire and what a lesson! The knights face off, riding their horses at a dead run, carrying cumbersome, lethal wepaons. This ancient sport commands the warrior to face the pain and make their move toward victory.

During the last joust of the day, the two remaining knights faced one another to determine who the winning team was. the sun was setting, making one of the knight's armor look radiant and brilliant. He was massive, with silver and gold armor. I was shocked to see a young man, half the size of the other knight, mount his horse, grab his lance and run fearlessly toward his destiny. "He's doomed," I thought to myself. It only makes sense that the big guy would topple the little guy.

I was wrong. The smaller warrior ran faster, ducked lower and jousted harder than his foe. In a few seconds, he had unhorsed his enemy and won the day.

I encourage you today to ignore the shiny uniform of the enemy. He looks tough, but he can be unhorsed. The crowd might be against you, sizing you up by your physical appearance but they are wrong. You are a true warrior!

An enemy wants to destroy your dream; that’s something you must never forget. That same enemy also wants you destroyed. The battle is against the dream, and the dreamer. If the enemy can destroy the dreamer, the dream dies. If the enemy destroys the dream, the dreamer dies on the inside and never knows the accomplishment God intended. Be encouraged, and declare, “It’s always worth “FIGHTING FOR MY DREAM!”

Whether it’s a dream about family, business, personal relationships, financial security, or all of the above, the battle is rarely about what has been done; it’s usually about what is going to happen in the future. The enemy anticipates your future victory and has activated forces aimed at your defeat. This present battle may be affecting many areas of life however; the main target is the dream being carried.

There is everlasting value to what’s in your heart. Draw on reserve strength and know God is present each step of the way. God designed you to get to the other side of this struggle. Refuse to quit, lift your head and affirm to God, “Today I am “FIGHTING FOR MY DREAM!”
--Bishop Gerald Dogget