Calloused Knees Needed | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Calloused Knees Needed | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sheldon Bass
03/06/14
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Calloused Knees Needed

Blood flows and wounds fester as fierce hostilities erupt again, continuing the war of the ages. Both sides scrutinize the best tactics and battle strategies and employ the most effective weapons of their arsenals. Currently under personal assault, I’m calling in the equivalent of the finest specialized forces available.

Unlike other conflicts, we already know who the clear and certain victor of this war shall be. Yet the enemy refuses to submit. Reminiscent of the U.S. civil war, pockets of resistance are popping up to wreak misery and death, even after the outcome has been proclaimed.

This continued fighting is not to determine who shall emerge triumphant. Even the opposition knows that Christ shall win. It has to do with which side you and I will be standing on when the angels blow that final trumpet note. These battles are being waged for souls—a true life and death struggle.

I suppose I should feel flattered that the devil considers what I’m about to do detrimental to his cause. As evidenced by a full-scale assault against me—surrounded by an onslaught of attacks and difficulties. However, it’s not me doing it, but Christ in me, who deploys us on His behalf. I’m merely a private in the Lord’s army.

Is it my upcoming publication that the enemy fears? Will my witnessing help recruit the next Billy Graham? Is it simply my soul he’s after? Who knows? Maybe it’s the scriptures I hope to expound to my beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord.

The focused battering began eight days ago, with five separate health issues converging on this weak temple of flesh—creating a convolution of pain. Meanwhile, the devil plotted to rage against me through loved-ones, speaking the precise words that would penetrate like an icepick to the liver. Finances were next; unexpected expenses, theft of valuable equipment, possessions breaking, and finally the theft of my wallet. I ache all over. Temptations too, have intensified. Yet, even all this was not enough. My increased stress-levels and my wife’s difficulties combined to create friction in our marriage. Attacks are coming from all sides and every angle.

The forces I’m utilizing are arrayed against the battalions of wickedness. In effectiveness, they could be compared to the Rangers, S.E.A.L. teams and Green Beret. Except, our warriors for this battle are not stalwart of limb, or armed with machine guns and grenades. Many are stoop-backed, white haired senior citizens of God’s family, suited up in the garment of praise, as on wrinkled knees they pour out our petitions to God. And yes, Jesus Himself is our true champion, who’s already defeated our worst enemy at the tomb. Death could not hold Him.

However, I’m depending on my siblings in Christ to pray with me and for me. I need spiritual protection and strength to stand firm, and to keep producing the fruit that brings glory to God. We know the devil’s end game—what he will try, and it is requisite for us to remain steadfast through those ploys to the very end. Our spiritual weapons are mighty through God, to the pulling down of the enemy’s bastions.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2nd Corinthians 10:4 NIV)

The prayers of the righteous are potent and effective, like nuclear bombs against the stanchions of darkness. Push that button.

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16b NLT)

As Christians we’ve been called to make disciples for Jesus. And to build-up our siblings in Christ. And ultimately, to shine the light of God’s glory in this dark world, bringing the utmost honor to Him. That’s what our side is fighting to do. But we all need each other’s prayers. Especially when we’re singled out for assault.

I seek prayer for God’s work to go forth successfully through me. As well as through you. And prayer that I will successfully do whatever it is the devil is so afraid I will accomplish. In faith, we praise God in advance for the victory. Soon, Christ is coming in all His power and brilliant glory to entirely subjugate all opposition. Until then, our faith and our prayers are vital for bringing many souls over to the winning side and keeping them here until the cessation of this conflict.

We are our brother’s keeper, to the final blow.

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