The sea breeze provided some reprieve from the hot August sun, but the 300 soldiers hardly noticed as they waited in anticipation for the next wave of assault. From their vantage point, the enemy was invisible, but they knew the onslaught was imminent. Without notice, the scorching sun was blocked out by a myriad of arrows, turning day into night as the arrows started to descend on the warriors. The captain gave the order and the men moved into position. Underneath their shields, they laughed as the arrows pierced the leather cover. “Today we are fighting in the shade!” As the sun reappeared, the men stood up and with one smooth motion cut away the arrows, ready to continue fighting unscathed.
In Ephesians 6 Paul writes that our struggle, our battle, is not against things we can see and touch, but rather against the intangible attacks of the enemy. We are in a spiritual warfare facing a cunning, manipulative and deceitful enemy – the battle is real, and the enemy invisible.
Earlier this year, I became painfully aware of this raging war as the struggle was for my marriage. For five months, I had been fighting, battling, struggling and persevering in faith, but in the sixth month I felt battered and bruised and defeated. I had no more strength left to fight a battle that seemed lost. I vaguely remembered God telling me that the battle was His, not mine and that He will fight on my behalf (2 Chron 20), but that didn’t seem to materialize. I didn’t know how to hold on to all of God’s promises of victory, hope and restoration any longer.
My husband gave up on us and I gave up on us. Within 48 hours, we had divided the whole house between us, I met with a lawyer and spoke with a child psychologist. To us, that was it, the end was a handful of formalities away, but God had other plans. God had not given up on us. He planted a seed of doubt in my heart, sent close family members to testify of their struggles and sent His angels to run interference. He also raised up family and friends as warriors to fight on our behalf, to intercede. I experienced what it felt like not to fight even though war is raging and I could feel how God was shifting the outcome in our favor. Because of God’s faithfulness, we survived three days that felt like a year. Then we survived a week and then two weeks. Every day God intervened.
Three weeks later, I started with a bible study series written by Priscilla Shirer, Armor of God, where she said: “Open war is upon us, whether we admit it or not”. She explained how God provides us with every piece of armor we need to fight with in this raging war, but that we do need to put it on and fight. That the battle is unavoidable, the enemy will use every opportunity he can possible get. The enemy is invisible, which makes his attacks harder to detect. He comes in disguises and sneaks into areas of our life unnoticed if we’re not vigilant. The location is accessible because in Jesus Christ we are seated with God in heavenly places – a position signifying victory. And to always remember that the victory is irrevocable. God has won. The enemy is defeated. Nothing can change that.
That night, on my way home, I was able to put on my armor again and to pray. God had been fighting the battle for me. I didn’t need to fight – I couldn’t – so God intervened by sending faithful warriors to walk in faith on our behalf and to form a protective phalanx position around us, allowing us to be in the shade while the attack was at its peak. God never failed. Amid the assault, He was busy doing something new, He was making a way out of the wilderness. He was making a way for us, because I am, and we are, precious in His sight and He loves us (Is 43:4).
I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Is 43:1-3)
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Is 43:19)
*Reference made to the battle of Thermopylae from the movie 300
[Collage created using Pinterest images and the Holy Bible app]
Amazing!!! God is faithful. Thank you for sharing your story.