Must Keep Moving Forward

I read in a blog this last week of a letter a young man sent home to his parents in WWI.  In this letter he described how in the battle one would be shot if they retreated.  This young soldier paralleled that with the Christian walk.  Our Lord has called us to the battle.  It's not always the same for everyone but we all battle in one way or another.   Here is a great reality ~ we never battle alone.  The Prince of heaven, who calls us to the battle, not only leads us but also comes behind us all the while being in the midst of the conflict we face.  We have been given tools for this trade, weapons for this warfare.  So it matters not that we understand or comprehend the call to fight.  It only matters that the Captain of our souls is in charge and that we can depend on Him to lead.  For there are dragons in the land and many times we don't even recognize them.  Charles Spurgeon says this, "The duty of every soldier in the army of the Lord is daily, with all his heart, soul and strength to fight against the dragon."  And, "Let us sharpen our swords tonight and pray the Holy Spirit to nerve our arms for the conflict."  You must also know that you will get wounds, get knocked down and maybe even trampled on.  The truth remains, though, and it is quoted in Psalm 18:28-30:  "For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.  For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.  This God -- his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him."  Christ goes before us and has given us the weapons that we need (read in Ephesians 6).

This would be enough  to do what we have been called to do.  But in the kindness and mercy of God he has also given us the church, particular members, to hold each other up and remind us of who we follow and fight for.  This is a tangible evidence of grace.  I have seen it and experienced it.  For this I am beyond grateful. All of you who have come alongside of us being ministering spirits are evidences of God's love and grace.  For so many prayers and encouragements cannot be bought or sold.  It is an incredible gift that has been given by God's saints.  These are many of the things that I remember when the battle is fierce.  I hear the song "Onward Christian Soldier" as I pick up the weapons and enter the fray again.

We are not alone but are many.  Not only are we many but we follow the ultimate Warrior who will not fail.  The battle truly is the Lord's and He is and will be victorious.


*Health update:  Dan took me to my doctor's appointment yesterday.  To make a long story short this doctor is sending me to another doctor.  So I have an appointment this coming Monday to discuss, most likely, surgery.  We want to get this nasty stuff out of me and put me back together again.  I most sincerely want so many of you to know that I sense the power of your prayers on our behalf.  Definitely a precious gift!