I have been drafted into battle.

It is not a war of my choosing, yet I have no choice but to fight in it.

I am an unskilled warrior but, with each minor skirmish, I find myself better equipped for the major conflict I know must come.

Like any good soldier I am equipped with the best weaponry, effective for taking out the enemy under a variety of circumstances. I shield myself behind truth and righteousness. I wield the Word of God like a sword, piercing the heart of darkness and cutting evil off at the knees. I am bathed in the blood of Christ and the enemy flees from the face of God in whose image I am made.

The battle is long and arduous. I grow weary and weak from the effort. And, still I press on. I must. Defeat is not an option. The stakes are too high. I call in reinforcements and the enemy is driven back.

The reprieve is temporary. The enemy regroups, a new plan of attack is formulated. Clever, he is, and I must always be on my toes, watching my flank, prepared for a sneak attack. The battle begins anew and I find myself filled with a strength I never had before.

I cannot, no, will not be defeated. I am fighting for my life, this and the next.

Victory WILL be mine!

Be blessed.

Rick