For such a time as this

Some months ago while driving home, I was reflecting on all the difficult events that had occurred in our life.  I was doing this in light of what I know of my enemy, Satan.  I wrote about some of that, My Enemy-Lacking Creativity, but Very Effective (March 17, 2007).  I had no doubt that even in our wounded state, perhaps because of it, the battle would come.

I wasn’t fearful or anxious, just expectant.  I’ve been here before.  And here we are again at the edge of the spiritual battlefield.

I’m so proud of my daughter.  In the past we’ve insulated her from our battles, but in her own way she is at the vanguard.  She is passionate about reaching the lost and discipling believers.  She is devoted to God’s word and living it in every aspect of her life.  She recognized on her own the attack of apathy and shallowness on her youth group and began asking questions, directing others to scripture.  She’s even experienced a bit of the backlash.  In sharing with her last night, I pointed out that God is giving her a taste of the bigger battles to come – she’s getting it in miniature.  God is preparing her to be a fearless and mightly warrior for His glory.

My husband too, a learned and passionate Man-of-God, the most courageous man I’ve ever known, is at the vanguard.  He is pointing other men, leaders responsible for shepherding the flock, to scripture.  He is challenging them to be bold, brave, knowledgeable, passionate about God’s word.  He’s challenging them to be courageous men of God.  It is uncomfortable.  It requires risk.  Frankly it requires backbone.

They seem frightened.  They seem threatened.  I would think that to a Believer, a disciple of Jesus Christ, Scripture would be the least threatening thing in the world.  And yet, his questions about Scripture are causing them to cower.

We stand at the cross roads and there are two ways this could turn out.  The well-worn path is this:  The rumors will start, probably having to do with taking over the church (nonsense), some sin will be manufactured, and we’ll be either actively driven out or marginalized.  The other option, the road less traveled, is this: They’ll step up.  They’ll accept the challenge, explore scripture for themselves, and boldly and confidently do God’s will, regardless of the price.

Christianity was never intended to be passive.  And it is certainly no place for cowards or the feeble-minded.  It should be infused with the Spirit of Power, not of impotence.  Paul prayed for boldness.  David prayed that God would have the victory.

In my role as armor-bearer, I am praying for my husband.  Courage, faithfulness, patience, compassion, boldness, love, unwavering devotion to the Word.  For my daughter too.  We will bind up one-another’s wounds.  We will allow for rest.  We will share our strength and faith with each other.  Above all, we will be faithful no matter the cost.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Blessings from the battlefield.