You're patiently standing on hard soil, analysing the rumbling army ascending and anticipating the battle to come. You take a look to the left and right as the warriors ready themselves to fight in your name. Finally, taking in a deep breath, you hold your sword up high. With a mighty roar of your voice, you start charging forward.
The wind blows through your hair; energy surges through your veins. The adrenaline thickens with every step as you pound forward towards the massive oncoming army.
Without a second thought you clash swords with the first man you hit. A loud grunt comes from behind, screams of agony, cries of pain ring in the air all around you.
The dark scene suddenly becomes very small, and you start to spin with confusion. Landing with a heavy, loud thump, the field grows quiet, and you are left all alone.
A voice calls your name and, as your body starts to tremble and your beating heart starts to quicken, a bright light beams down on your hot face. 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you.' (Isaiah chapter 41, verse 10). Then you wake up.
Battles
Have you ever felt so alone and helpless in a dark situation? No matter how hard you try nothing you do can prevent it or make it better?
We all have dark times. Sometimes the only way we can overcome them is by taking a deep breath, filling our lungs with courage, and persevering.
We want to persevere. We tell ourselves we are strong enough to get through this. We aren't invincible, but it also isn't impossible. Sometimes in harsh circumstances we trick ourselves into believing it is our duty to follow through and to see an end to these harsh times.
However, we are only human. Even brave and chivalrous knights needed help in their challenging battles.
Standing your ground
When people turn on us and hurt us, when we are mocked and judged, when we are forced to the ground in exhaustion—because no matter how hard we try to stand strong, we still fall—God is right there to help stand us up on our feet again. 'For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.' (Psalm 18, verse 39)
The devil tries to outwit us with his deception, lies, torment and persecution; but we must stand strong in the eyes of our enemy until God gives us victory through the glory of our God who righteously stands on guard always. In our weak human eyes it is hard; but when it comes to God, nothing is impossible.
When we stand up for what is right—even if it means standing alone—God's smile shines down upon us.
The armour of God
When I am weak and cannot fight anymore, I am reminded to put on the armour of God. He has given me the strength for battle, the strength to stand against those who rise up against me. He will fight for me, I only need to put my faith and trust in Him. 'Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.' (Ephesians chapter 6, verse 11)
I must always be on my guard and stand firm in the faith. When the enemy crosses blades with mine and I start to tremble, I must be courageous and be strong. God does not give us challenges we cannot overcome with His strength.
Hold fast to the sword of the spirit
When you are exhausted and frustrated, when you feel your heart pounding in your chest harder and harder, keep on fighting, never let go of your sword. Raise the sword of the spirit to your enemy and let them be silenced by the word of God. 'Take the sword of the spirit. Which is the word of God.' (Ephesians chapter 6, verse 17)
The next time you stand on the battlefield, sword at the ready, remember who your God is. Remember He is ready to fight for you whenever you call to Him.
It is such a harsh reality when we have to be the bystander in a situation we cannot control; but have confidence and peace in knowing He will protect you because He created you and He loves you.
Nothing you go through escapes God's view. You will never be left alone on the battlefield, because God is always with you. He is fighting for you and being the protective, loving Father He is to His child—you.
'Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be courageous; be strong.' (1 Corinthians chapter 16, verse 13)
Cartia Moore is a connoisseur of fine chocolate and a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She is currently studying a bachelor of arts majoring in drama. Her focus is film, television and sword-fighting sequences. She hopes to graduate and form her own drama and acting school.
Cartia Moore's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html