I love to read. Like, el-oh-vee-ee, LOVE. Our home even has a nerd room full of books and knick-knacks to prove it. I get lost in the pages and forget about real life. Within a few sentences, I become a heroin saving her world, a prince rescuing his kingdom, or a wizard fighting off evil. So, when I think about battling my enemies, I picture myself with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. I imagine defeating all the "bad guys" without a single hair coming out of place.
But a few weeks ago, a very different picture came together. Lately in our bible reading and at church, the theme of the Lord preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemies has been common. Stepping out of my nerd world, I've never actually been in a fight (except with my little brother, which probably doesn't count). I don't think I have any actual enemies. So who, Lord, are these enemies around me?
Guilt.
Shame.
Fear.
Greed.
Self.
Procrastination.
Pride.
Gluttony.
Excuses.
Lack of self control.
The lies of the devil.
These are the enemies I need protected from, that I need to defeat. The best news is God does not expect me to defend myself, rescue myself, challenge these areas, or defeat them alone. Instead, He promises to prepare a table for me. On this table is a meal which will provide the nutrients I need to be strong. He promises to provide me with armor. In Ephesians 6:10-18, God tells me I do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. The best news, though, is He has already given us a full coat of armor which is stronger than any weapon formed against us.
If I had to guess, you are fighting some sort of battle right now. It may be "small", or you may feel like you are in the fight of your life. In every case, know God is your champion. He has already won. The battle may be raging, but the war is already won. Even if you feel down, drained, defeated, take courage in that God is fighting for you, He is with you.
Somedays when I workout, I pretend I'm training just in case I'm whisked away to a different world, thrust into a raging war, and told I'm the only hope of victory. After all, no one wants to be the character that's too weak to even lift a sword. More importantly, though, when I read the Bible, pray, praise, and listen to biblical teachings, I know that I'm preparing for the battles which will come. And just like in the pages of a good book, there is a teacher to help the heroin become who she is meant to be.
