Poetry

---

I see myself,
standing in the middle of the battle field.
Dark forces coming in from all sides.
Am I wearing my helmet of salvation?
Do I have the belt of truth about my waist?
Am I protected by the breastplate of righteousness?
Are my feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace?
Is my shied of faith up in front of me,
ready to extinguish all the fiery darts of the enemy?
Is my hand gripping the sword of the Spirit?
Am I ready for battle?
Then I see that I am not standing there alone.
My brothers and sisters in Christ are in battle with me.
We are standing in a line, poised for the fight.
As an army, I hope we are all ready.
I hope we can help each other back up when we get knocked down.
I hope those whose armor is weakened will be helped by the stronger.
I come to realize I can’t aid my fellow soldiers with most of these items
– they can only protect me.
But, with my sword, I can help those on my left and on my right
as the enemy tries to sneak up behind them.
I can wield the sword and help protect, help them fight too.
I can stay alert.
I can pray for them as we fight.
And they can do the same for me.
It is with this image in mind that I grow grateful.
Grateful for the armor God has provided.
Grateful for the others in battle with me.
Grateful that He so many times
steps in and wipes out the enemy.
Grateful that at other times he doesn’t.
- that he uses the battle to strengthen us,
as individuals,
as an army.
Grateful for the privilege of being one of His soldiers.
And so, with this image in mind,
with this grateful heart,
we battle on.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE