If you're in a place in life where things just aren't working out right, you're facing obstacles, or troubles surround you . . . this article is for you.

This might not be what you want to hear, but let the truth of this powerful statement settle in your heart today:

You will never outgrow warfare, you must simply learn to fight.

My personality is that of a peacemaker. Growing up, I just wanted everybody to get along. However, I've discovered when it comes to the devil, that will never be the case. His only goal is to steal, kill, and destroy.

Satan will pound you over and over hoping you'll just take it! He hopes you eventually give up and quit on the dreams God has put in your heart.

Get out of character and fight back!

Whether you are believing for business opportunities, a loved one to know the Lord, healing in your body, or a financial breakthrough; you and I must learn to "fight the good fight of faith" and win.

I want to help you T.R.A.I.N. today as you pursue the dreams and goals God has put in your heart.

Train with a good coach.
You need somebody coaching you and speaking into your life. You need a mentor that will help you grow, improve, increase, and reach your destination.

When I thought I had lost my purpose, my future, and my dreams, I needed a mentor to speak the truth of God's Word to me.

They helped me through everyday. While doing the laundry, driving, or unwrapping the fast food (my way of making dinner), their audio messages began to bring about a change in me.

I wasn't able to sit down and discuss things with them, but I listened to their audio teachings, I read their books, I went to their conferences.

My question to you is this: Who is speaking into your life?

Find someone you connect with, someone you can receive from. And then start receiving from them CONSISTENTLY, not just a time or two.

Your life will be propelled or hindered by those closest to you. Part of your training is getting people in your corner that will cheer you on, pray for you, and tell you when you need to make adjustments.

Requires intense focus.
When an intense focus is absent, distractions will keep you from what God has called you to do.

Let me quickly give you some common distractions the devil will provide and see if you can identify.

Time: It is taking too long and nothing seems to be changing.

Age: I'm too old now and missed my opportunity.

Words spoken over you: I'm not good enough.

Your past: I've done things I'm ashamed of and I don't deserve love or success.

Money: I'll never have enough to do what's in my heart.

You've got to stay focused and fight for your dreams! Don't compare yourself to others, make the most of the life you have, forget the past and press on knowing God can and will provide!

Always be aware of your weaknesses.
Before a fighter ever gets in the ring, he studies his opponent.

He watches him, he views his films, he studies him, he listens to him. What is he looking for? WEAKNESS.

Now, think about your life. You'll notice that most of your temptations, mistakes, and weaknesses are pretty much around the same type of things.

Whether it's alcohol, sexual sin, debt and over spending, or weight and overeating . . . whatever it is, it's not coincidental.

Begin to build safeguards to protect yourself from your weaknesses. Find people who will help you in those areas and don't give your opponent room to hit you.

Intimidate your opponent.
Going back to to a boxing analogy, have you ever seen how a boxer talks about the person they are scheduled to fight next? They talk about how they are going dominate, how the other person doesn't have a chance, how much stronger and better prepared they are.

You've got to do the same thing in your life. Start prophesying your victory now before you're ever in the fight and keep it up when you're in the ring!

Your mouth is the greatest weapon you have, so use it on your opponent and not on yourself! No more cursing yourself with your words and putting yourself down. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

Never, never, never throw in the towel!
To throw in the towel means to give up a struggle, to quit the fight. Remember this when it gets hard to stand in faith and fight for your dream . . .

It's always too soon to give up.

Determine that you're going to FINISH STRONG!

No matter the opportunities you've missed, mistakes you've made, dreams that have gone unfulfilled, or goals never reached . . . refuse to give up!

God is working on your behalf, even now, and you are going to be surprised with breakthroughs and victories as you stay consistent and faithful to Him!