Everybody has some kind of battle. 
 
Everybody. 
 
My dad, pastor Tony Evans, has often told me, “You’re either in a battle, on your way to a battle, or you just came out of one.” That’s how life is. Trials and tribulations are headed your direction if they haven’t shown up already. And like the mail you get in your box marked “Occupant,” trouble doesn’t care who lives where you live. But it has your address.
 
My dad, pastor Tony Evans, has often told me, “You’re either in a battle, on your way to a battle, or you just came out of one.”
 
I’ve been going through some things recently for my own transformation. One of the hardest has been losing seven close family members to sudden death or long-term disease in less than two years, including my mom. I watched how bravely she fought cancer, how her faith sustained her and God strengthened her even as her body grew weaker. I’ve also seen what God has done to uphold me and my family in all of it. 
 
Battles like these have really challenged me to think about what it means to fight God’s way—relying on His power rather than my own. 
 
Your victory starts with the battle.
 
Your victory starts with the battle. You might be saying, “I’m in this mess right now,” but don’t forget: the mess is the precursor to your miracle. Everybody who loves and serves God is going to go from test to testimony. That’s the way of faith. First comes the battle, then the victory. The test strengthens your faith in Him; the victory solidifies your story with Him.
 
For His kingdom,
Jonathan Evans signature
Jonathan Evans
 
Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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