Battle Stories

Last week, Daren and I took a short getaway to Tulsa (exciting, I know) to use up a quickly expiring living social voucher. During our time away, the Lord brought us into contact with a couple of people that had an impact on us. The first, was an former army soldier who was a part of the road crew. He came to our rescue when my dear husband overestimated his ability to get us to the next gas station while almost on empty. He graciously drove us to a gas station so we could get gas and then returned us to our vehicle.

Our second acquaintance was also a veteran- he served our country in the Vietnam war. We met him while hanging out by the pool. We got into a conversation and he tells us that he is in town for his daughter's funeral. She died unexpectedly two weeks prior. He proceeds to express how his faith in God has been challenged more than any other time in his life.

One thing he says sticks in my mind: "You know, being a Christian is a lot harder than being a soldier."

A few days later I am still mulling this over. The scripture that keeps coming to mind is Ephesians 6:12: "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."

The spiritual battles we face can be tougher and more daunting than any earthly battle. I am reminded of this truth as I walk through our neighborhood. There is so much spiritual darkness in our community. There are strongholds of addiction, depression, abuse, violence and fear. It is a battle. At times, I struggle to feel equipped to fight against the powers of Satan in our community. And then I remember that the Lord will fight the battle for me. All I need to do is be a faithful soldier. For me, that means praying on a regular basis for the people in my community. I take the boys on walks through our neighborhood and we pray. Along the way, we stop and visit with folks sitting on their porches.

Last week, we visited with Roy. Roy is an older gentleman who has lived in our community since 1965. He and his 16 siblings moved from Mississippi to Kansas in the early sixties. Roy’s house is the center for much activity in the neighborhood. He has weekly barbecues with many of his friends and family members. Our prayer is that we will get to know Roy and his family better so we can minister God’s love to them.

We also visited Miss Milly. Miss Milly loves to be visited by Jackson and Justus. She used to be a maid and took care of children in her younger years. She doesn’t leave her house often, so our visits are a highlight to her. I am reminded that Christ has called us to minister to the “least of these.” To those who have no one else- to those who desperately need Christ’s love and salvation.

I know these don't exactly sound like battle stories- there is nothing glamorous and awe-inspiring. But the battle to win the lost for Christ doesn't always involve brandishing shining swords or heroic acts. Sometimes, fighting the battle is being a loving and caring presence in a dark and hurting neighborhood.

Despite the fact that there will be times we feel we are losing the battle, we can rest assured on this truth: Christ has won the war! Christus Victor!