WAR Part I

I was sleeping fitfully, drifting in and out of awareness of my surroundings. My dreams were pleasant but interrupted periodically with shouts and noises. I was relatively unconcerned and rolled over and drifted back to sleep.

It was early morning when in my dream my husband and I were enjoying a very relaxing canoe trip on a warm sunny day when I heard banging. My first thought was that my husband was somehow banging his paddle on the side of the canoe for some reason, but that thought quickly passed as I became aware that the banging was not in my dream but at my door.

Somewhat groggy and irritated that I was being awakened from my slumber, I put on my robe and made my way to the door hoping I didn't look like I had just gotten out of bed.

I peered out the window to see who was so bold to be waking me this early in the morning. I recognized the person at the door but the look on his face was alarming. My heart went into double-time as I quickly opened the door.

He was frantic. "You are in danger. Quick, The enemy is on the prowl. Where is your battle armor? Your weapons? You must stay alert." Suddenly, every one of my senses was at the ready. My presence of mind returned as my groggy mind cleared. "We are at war," he said. As we stood at the door, I could hear explosions and gunfire in the background. Fear was palatable.

I shook my head. What could I have been thinking? I knew we were in a war. How could I have drifted off to such blissful sleep? I remember sitting down for just a moment, with my battle armor in hand. I was so tired; I just wanted to rest for a moment. I would keep my weapons ready. I wanted to rest just for a moment. Just for a moment... just for a moment.

It's coming back to me, sometime during the night, my armor was getting heavy and my weapons slipped from my hands. The sound as they hit the floor roused me from sleep but only momentarily. I was too tired to pick them up, too tired to remember, we are at war.

Fully awake now, I wanted to kick myself. How could I forget? There was a time that I fought tirelessly, following my orders from the Commander - I didn't hesitate to carry them out. I knew being in His army was the best choice and in the end I was assured of His victory. I was excited that He wanted me in His army. I was a novice and knew nothing of war, but He assured me He would not only teach me everything I needed to know, but He would also provide the power to accomplish all He asked and that He would never abandon me. How did I forget all that?

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."

Tune in tomorrow for Part II...
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.