The Battle Rages On

As a follower of Christ, I live in a constant tension. As I am transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ, I fit less and less into the world. Yet, my calling is clear: “Go and make disciples…” says Jesus as He is about to ascend into heaven. We are in a spiritual war. And while we know the outcome (our highest-ranking officer, King Jesus Christ, declared victory when He rose from the dead!), currently the battle rages on and will until the day of His return. That means we are soldiers – some with special units that have special tasks, some with support roles, some on the lines and in the trenches, some spying out the land, some in hand-to-hand combat, some binding wounds and performing surgeries to the injured, some leading and giving commands, some following and working hard toward the victory that is to come.

When there is conflict in the ranks, it brings great devastation to the immediate battles and the strategies of the commanding officers are undermined and everyone is at risk. That is why Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is for unity. We all know that when we are in battle, unity is extremely important. We move as a unit. We cover each other’s backs. We have a common objective.

So I wonder, what does this look like in the church? In the past few months, I have 4 friends who have all lost spouses, 3 to cancer, 1 to a lifetime battle with physical challenges. Each of these individuals are soldiers in God’s army. They have giftings and special assignments. But they are temporarily disabled by severe grief. They are among the wounded. I have another friend who has lost a job and is struggling with confidence. He is among the wounded. I have other friends who have had surgeries and are among the wounded. And still others who have been in abusive relationships and find themselves separated or divorced. And another who was in a severe accident and is recovering from many physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. And there are those who for various health reasons cannot be out on the front. They are not on active duty.

Our objective is to make disciples. Our environment is hostile – in some cases so hostile that our lives are physically endangered. For now, I find myself serving among the wounded. I am on special assignment to go out to the battlefield and bring back the wounded and dress their wounds and do whatever it takes to bring the wounded to a place of healing and help them get back into full service. The Apostle Paul talks frequently about the Church being the body of Christ with many parts. When one part suffers, we all suffer and when one part rejoices, we all rejoice, says Paul in I Corinthians 12. He encourages us to, take care of each other to keep the body strong. When we are living in unity, bringing healing balms to the sick and weary, we strengthen each other – build up the body so we can be a formidable front to the enemy.

Holy Father, sometimes we get battle weary. Sometimes we get angry with those who have fallen and push them out rather than restoring them and strengthening them to bring them back into the battle. Help us, Lord, to be the body of soldiers you have called us to be – to move as one unit and take enemy territory for you! Help us to hear our assignments each day, to obey them and to live in the victory you have already won! Thank you for your constant presence with us guiding us through the rough terrain and bringing us safely home. Amen.