Hi All ~ Ever feel like giving up? Read on...please!
The dry crusty earth beneath my
cleated shoes begs for relief. And the earth is not the only one longing
for a respite. All of those around me are affected by intensity of the
day. The scorching sun rests itself directly above us for what feels like hours
raining down heat rays intense enough to boil water. My metal shield soaks up
the sun like a horse shoe in the furnace. But I don’t dare let go. That
trusty shield is my only recourse against the Enemy’s fiery darts whizzing past
me in every direction.
I hate to say it but some of the
darts originate from behind and to the sides of me where fellow comrades
stand. It sounds odd. In such an intense and fierce battle you expect to
ward off darts from the Enemy in front of you, not from behind... from your
own. But it happens. Those blows prove the most fatal, causing the victim to
drop her shield and gasp in disbelief at the wound. She drops
to her knees in agony not only from the arrow’s penetration, but also from the
piercing sting to her heart. Looking around in confusion and disbelief, her head drops as she realizes that
this gash came from within the
camp.
Regardless of where or how
a soldier is hit by the fiery dart, the first tendency is naturally to drop the
shield. Then you are open game. Vulnerable. Susceptible to the whim and whimsy
of the evil schemes. Exactly what the Enemy is banking on. Unfortunately, the Adversary
(big shock)…doesn’t play fair. The minute a shield lowers, the arrows seem to
come like a magnet toward the wounded.
I know. It’s happened to me.
If it hadn’t been for members of my squadron coming to my aid, who knows what
would have happened to me! I guess that explains my passion, not only to
fight the fight, but to look out for the fellow soldiers around me.
The battle’s intensity has
escalated in recent days. Lately, I look around at those I love; those faithful
to the cause; those determined to endure to the end. Many are being hit.
Hit from all directions. All I know to do is hold tight to my shield as I run
to their aid. I slam the shields upright in the dirt to form a tiny garrison as
I assess the damage. I wipe the tear and offer a drink from my canteen.
Then I do my best to stabilize the wound. And the cool thing… All around
me others loyal to the cause are shouting out warnings, “Soldier, duck!
Incoming!” Once they’ve spotted us they rush to our side and stand guard to
protect us. As more help comes, I grab my shield and run across the field
to offer the same comfort to another, ever mindful of those who did the same
for me.
Sometimes I find a big rock to
lean against and take a minute to hide behind my own shield, darts dashing in
every direction. The tears bubble up from the pit at the pain of my
friends. I am weary and overwhelmed…My water bottle is empty. I’ve
given all its contents away to those who needed it more. And then I ask myself,
"Is this worth it?" But the question doesn’t linger long.
My teeth grit, my lips press together, my fist bangs into the ground below
me. Through the mist I breathe these words of resolve to my Commander in
Heaven, “By your grace I will not give up! I will not quit! The cargo is too
precious, the price too costly. I will pick up my sword of your word and my
shield of faith. I will fight on!”
About that time, my good buddy
catches me huddled to the side. She rushes to my aid, pulls her shield
close to mine as she rests herself against the rock. Catching her breath she
says, “Are you alright? Here, I thought you might need a little of
this.” From her side she pulls out her own precious canteen and to my
lips flow the ice cold drink my dry soul so desperately needs.
And so it is in the battlefield
of life…but I grit my teeth and press my lips together in steadfast
determination. I will look up. I will not quit. I will accept
your help. I will offer mine to you. Together we will fight the good
fight! We will endure hardness as the good soldiers of Jesus Christ! II
Timothy 2:1-4
Hope & Glory! to You ~
Love
Rebecca
P.S. You know we win,
right?!
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