vicotry

The Warrior

The battle blazes and the fight continues. The warrior looks up and sees another flaming arrow flying towards her and her comrades. Without hesitation she maneuvers her shield high into the air, stopping the arrow from piercing her or those she has grown to love and admire. It almost knocks her off her feet. She is not wounded, but exhausted.

This particular battle has been raging for some time. She has been using all her training techniques but lately she has been distracted by other cares. Her mind is on things that take her thoughts to places that her commanding officer has warned is a distraction. Lately it seems she cannot focus.

She knows she has to learn to think about things that bring hope and not allow thoughts of despair to paralyze her. The commander has warned her to think about things that bring peace, especially while in battle. She must stay sharp.

Whoosh…another burning arrow flies right towards her. Suddenly a shield swoops in front of her and she hears the thud of the arrow bouncing off of it. This time the shield belongs to her friend. She turns towards her friend. They lock eyes. A smile crosses her friend’s face.

“Don’t worry,” she says. “I got this one.”  They nod at each other as they turn to continue the fight.

The warrior thinks to herself, “My commander is right, my thoughts are distracting me. That arrow could have hit me.”

“Charge!” demands the commander.

The orders produce a power that shakes her from within. With no more distracting thoughts filling her mind, the warrior and those with her charge the enemy with all of their strength. The battle turns from defense to offense. The warrior does what is second nature to her and begins the hand to hand combat with her sword. Strength infuses her weary body.

Suddenly the enemy runs in terror. The hooves of horses can be heard pounding away from the battle ground. The warriors holler in unison as they chase the enemy away. The slaughtered enemy that lay at their feet begin to disintegrate into black smoke, then disappear. They are not of human form but come from devilish soil. At that moment a shout of victory echoes throughout the camp. Another battle has been won. 

Joy fills the air where despair once resided.

Tonight there will be a celebration, a celebration of victory and hope. The tired soldiers can rest for a time. The grateful warrior turns to thank the commanding officer for the training and the tenacity he has taught her. As she reaches out her hand, he pulls her close for a huge papa bear style hug.

“Well, done my child,” he says patting her on the back. “Well done. You didn’t give up when you wanted to. You didn’t quit.”

“But I was distracted by despair. An arrow could have hit me when I lowered my shield,” the warrior says embarrassed by her actions.  The commander simply laughs a hearty laugh as if it isn’t a big deal. “But you weren’t hit. Your friend shielded you. That is why you need one another. Besides, I already won this battle. Did you notice how fast the enemy ran?” he said in triumph between deep chuckles.

She did.

“They always run when they see me pull out my sword. They know that I will only allow my children to go through just so many trials. Once I pull out my sword they screech in their tracks, abruptly turn around and run in fear.”

She knows that his sword is extremely sharp and destructive. As he swings it  in demonstration a brilliant light radiates off the metal causing the entire land to flood with the light.

No wonder the enemy runs away with such speed. There is nowhere to hide. They understand they can be annihilated by the commander at any time so they cower at his greatness. 

A thought rushes through the warriors mind. “If  the commander is for me, then who can stand against me?”

As she lets that sink in, peace floods her mind and her heart.

The battle was his all along.

_________________________________________________

That is a synopsis of a moment in the spiritual realm of a warring believer in prayer.

As believers we will always be in some sort of battle. Here are a few things we must remember as we fight in the battle of prayer.

  1. Ultimately every battle belongs to the Lord.
    “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)
  2. We do not fight people.
    “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
  3. We need one another.
    “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.”
    I Corinthians 12: 20-21 (ESV)
    “Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (GNT)
  4. There is a time for rest.
    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

God is merciful but also fierce. He will defend his own. We have to trust him. We may be warriors but we are also his children.  Be strong, fight diligently and rest in his grace.
God bless

What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31  (NIV)

 

“The Warrior is a Child”
Twila Paris

Lately I’ve been winning
Battles left and right 
But even winners can get
Wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

They don’t know that
I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
“Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
Never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at his feet.

They don’t know that I go
Running home when I fall down
They don’t know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child.

 

 

 

 

Do Not Fight the Wind; Face It!

The WIND seems out of control
As I stand looking out to the sea.
Suddenly it stirs familiar strongholds
That were hidden deep inside of me.

The WIND picks up speed.
I’m frightened by its power!
Yet those strongholds are quickly scattered.
Giving me hope in my darkest hour.

The WIND continues to rage on
Splashing salt into my eyes
As heartaches are washed away
Along with old fears and past lies.

The WIND roars with great furry
As I walk into its immense might.
I feel darkness blowing away
And hope replacing the stormy night.

The WIND keeps on howling
But I face it with hope in my heart.
Wisdom whispers truth in my soul
Releasing new vision and a new start.

Where does this wind come from?
And where does it go?
I do not question it,
Nor do I know.

It seems like a violent storm
As it brews with such rage.
Yet it is breaking down the walls
That had held me inside a cage.

Does heartache come from God?
Is pain from him too?
Does he allow darkness at times
So we can begin brand new?

If the winds of life seem too violent,
If the storm wants to hold on
Don’t despair; but trust GOD!
He will give you a new hope and new song.

In spite of the disappointment,
In spite of the raging wind
Trust him to carry you to the other side.
There your new life can begin.

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

Be Encouraged

I have been busy and haven’t had the opportunity to write. And now that I have a few moments I am not sure what to even write about. That is a strange concept for me. I realized that my intentions have always been to send an encouraging word out to those around me. So I hope that is what this is to you. I feel that each person has a specific gifting that embodies them. Its purpose, as a believer, is to encourage those around us.

Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJ) says it best, “Comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

We all have some type of gifting that comes naturally that we can share with others. And even though we each have our own part in this world or in the body of Christ, we are ultimately considered one body.  If we do our part we are actually helping the body of Christ to work as one unit. And where there is unity there is so much that can be accomplished.

That is the main reason that the enemy of our souls, satan, comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) If he can divide the body of Christ, then chaos will be sure to follow, making the progression of the promise of salvation seem unimportant. Soon the hearts of men and women will come to a muddy sludge and darkness will try to prevail.

But expressing our gifts towards one another helps those in the body of Christ work as one unit accomplishing what God has sent us to this earth to fulfill. We all desire to fulfill our destiny; to fulfill our purpose, not just inhale air. And just like our own body has hands that reach out to someone who has fallen and feet that may take us to unimaginable places to bring hope, God desires the body of Christ to bring hope and healing to those around us.

In the book of Romans Paul talks about specific gifts. Whether it is grace, prophecy, serving others, teaching, leadership skills, giving, showing kindness or even encouraging others, we are to do it to the best of our ability; to do it with excellence.

“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.” Romans 12:8b (NLT)

I hope the words I have spoken in the past or the words I speak today will encourage someone. Again, that is my intention. That is my purpose for writing, for praying or simply for smiling at another individual. I desire to encourage those around me.

It’s similar to a cheerleader at a football game or a spectator at a marathon. I desire to shout enthusiastically to those that are running the race with vigilance and to whisper comfort to those who have stumbled along life’s way or have stopped to rest.

DO NOT GIVE UP.

Some people will understand the words I am saying and shout a quiet hallelujah to themselves. Others will think, “oh how nice”. But perhaps there is someone who says deep in their spirit…”I am tired. I am weary. I am confused. I hope you will pray for me.”

To each person (especially to those who are tired) I want to share one of my favorite scriptures found in Isaiah 20:31.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV)

The key here is to WAIT upon the LORD. Call out to him and then wait. Listen to his tender voice whether it be through the reading of his word, through the wisdom of a trusted friend or simply his quiet voice deep in your spirit. The LORD promises to RENEW your strength.

And I can promise you that if you do not give up, if you continue to trust the Lord even when it looks impossible, you will be rewarded just like the marathon runner who continues to run to the finish line. I remember running in cross-county in high school. So often I just wanted to quit. But I kept telling myself the finish line is just ahead.

The word of God does not lie. “.. let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings IF we don’t give up”. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Remember if God is for you, WHO can be against you. We are one body yet we are a team of individuals and we are each victorious through Christ! Be encouraged. God bless.

 

Fear

FEAR

It is real and it is present. And it seems to be rearing its ugly head a lot lately.

Terror–fear on steroids–appears to be trying desperately to gain a lot of attention these days throughout the world.

It only takes turning on the TV or getting online to view the darkness that is overwhelming us. Besides the insidious terrorist attacks there are people shooting wildly at strangers or wielding knives.  Some people seemed to have gone out of their minds rioting and vandalizing or spewing vileness from their mouths that are filled with rage and selfishness.

It is hard to hide from the cyclone of madness. It is in our face daily. If you do not have the resource to hear people talk, or watch the TV or read the paper or get on the Internet you might have the privilege of not knowing the heightened sense of uneasiness and fear that is present.

It would be nice to believe that all is well as you drink your latte’, go to the gym, listen to your music in the car on your way to work or watch your child’s soccer game. But though your backyard might be filled with birds singing and children laughing this madness hangs in the air.

What affects others can affect you. I remember a time when several thousand acres were burning throughout the summer down the road from us. Though I was not personally affected, I ached for those that were, so much so that I couldn’t just “enjoy” my summer. I had to help those in need.  And I did.

Let us not forget how we reached out to one another during 9-1-1.  Now that I hear about all the hurt around us I pray for those that are being affected by terrorist attacks though I am not in the midst. I hurt for those that are involved in shootings, in violent riots, and in day-to-day fear.

Yes, fear and evil have existed since the beginning of time. Some people have endured war in their towns and villages and watched in horror as loved ones have died. Some have endured fear in their neighborhoods because it wasn’t a safe place to live or even in their homes because evil prevailed within their own family. It has always been present.

But then there are others of us who have had the opportunity to have a fairly safe environment to live in, kind neighbors and perhaps a pleasant household. We are not real familiar with the darkness and hatred that can consume the atmosphere.

So when we hear on the news the seemingly constant terrorist attacks it can be frightening, especially when we see it in countries that use to seem fairly safe. Fear can grip our hearts; fear and hopelessness.

But I want to declare that NOTHING on this planet and I mean NOTHING is bigger than our Lord. It is he that should be getting the glory, not the thrill seekers of darkness. HE is the VICTOR and HE is our DELIVERER and HE is our COMFORTER and HE is our PEACE!!!

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Paul goes on to say in Romans that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Even if we have trouble or are persecuted, or hungry or destitute or in danger or threatened. Despite all that we may endure, we STILL have overwhelming victory.

How we be victorious if we or others around us go through such hardships? The thing is Jesus ALREADY has gotten the victory on the cross. He died, took the keys of death from satan and overcame eternal death for ANYONE who wants it. He rose again so that we can also rise in victory— in this life and in the next.

I heard it said that there are 365 verses in the Bible that state: “Do not be afraid”.  That sounds pretty significant as there are 365 days in a year. God does not want us to live ONE day in fear.

He desires us to understand the power of his blood and of his love so that our minds can be at peace.

“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Remember: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” 1 John 4:18

That is not to say that we will not be afraid. But it is to say that God, the God of love, the God of the universe is with us. When fear arises we call upon him. We should learn the  scriptures so that we can put them to the test. We trust the God that inspired it. HE walks with us through darkness, through dangers, through hope, through life, through peace and even through death.

HE WILL NOT LEAVE or FORSAKE us.

In Deuteronomy 31 Moses was handing over the leadership of the children of Israel to Joshua.  Moses told Joshua to let the people know that the Lord was going before them and they were not to panic nor be afraid for he would never leave them or abandon them.

If he is the same yesterday, today and forever then he speaks the same to us. He will not abandon us. Though there seems to be turmoil, he walks with us through it as he did Shadrack, Meshack and Abedndgo. They WERE thrown into the fire for not bowing a knee to an idol. But they were NOT consumed. In fact the Lord stood with them in the fire. Those that threw them in were killed but they did not even smell of smoke.

What about you? Are you steadfast about not bowing to other idols in this life yet are being attacked or persecuted? Are you going through the fire? Have you been affected by the latest terrorist attacks? Or are you fearful of simply going places because of unstable people that might randomly attack you? Perhaps you are experiencing your own battles of sickness, death of loved ones, financial woes or other fears.

God can and WILL walk with you through it, deliver you out of it and even stop any smell of attack that tries to attach itself to you.

I remember once hearing about Christians being attacked in other countries. My heart was so broken that I felt guilty for even worshiping in church. But the Lord reminded me that he inhabits his praise, that the best weapon of defense was to praise his holy name. That is exactly what would usher in his presence, destroying the enemies strongholds.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” PS 28:7 (NLT)

I pray that you catch a hold of God’s love for you. That you come to realize that though there is sorrow in the world he is not going to abandon you. He is your refuge and strength in times of trouble.

God bless each of you as you put your trust in the Lord who can save you. I also pray that his peace would surround your hearts. May we believe the words that Jesus spoke and live by them.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” John 14:1 (KJV)