In the Battle

Most Christians realize that they are embroiled in a battle. One that rages day in and day out. The Apostle Paul encourages us to put on God's carefully selected armor in order to go into battle well equipped. Much has been written and many sermons have been preached on the various items associated with the "whole armor of God." I recall one seminary professor who urged our class to make certain that we include v. 18 of Ephesians 6 due to the vital nature of prayer in the daily fight against our Enemy. I wholeheartedly agree.

With that in mind I commend to you a prayer entitled "The Servant in the Battle," from The Valley of Vision, which is a collection of Puritan prayers. Read the striking truth contained in this prayer. You will assuredly be able to hear your own voice, for we all can identify with the heart cry of the author.

"O Lord, I bless thee that the issue of the battle between thyself and Satan has never been uncertain, and will end in victory. Calvary broke the dragon's head, and I contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his subtlety and strength has already been overcome. When I feel the serpent at my heel may I remember him whose heel was bruised, but who, when bruised, broke the devil's head. My soul with inward joy extols the mighty conqueror. Heal me of any wounds received in the great conflict; if I have gathered defilement, if my faith has suffered damage, if my hope is less than bright, if my love is not fervent, if some creature-comfort occupies my heart, if my soul sinks under pressure of the fight."

"O thou whose every promise is balm, every touch life, draw near to thy weary warrior, refresh me that I may rise again to wage the strife, and never tire until my enemy is trodden down. Give me such fellowship with thee that I may defy Satan, unbelief, the flesh, the world, with delight that comes not from a creature, and which a creature cannot mar. Give me a draught of the eternal fountain that lieth in thy immutable, everlasting love and decree."

"Then shall my hand never weaken, my feet never stumble, my sword never rest, my shield never rust, my helmet never shatter, my breastplate never fall, as my strength rests in the power of thy might."

These are good words. Words that each of us ought to echo as we go daily into the heat of battle. Press on!