“I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 17:6
The Battle Rages*
The battle rages. Shots fired over her head are coming closer, barely missing her. Fear and denial overtake her. “This isn’t happening! No! I don’t believe this! Where are you Lord? Your silence is deafening!” She cries, hunkered down, as the fight continues overhead. Darkness looms, almost consuming her like a thick blanket of despair and hopelessness. The enemy appears to be taking more ground. She is sinking deep into depression.
At home, we prayed.
In her rage at what is happening, her heart screams out, “Why Lord? The people sent me! I let them down, I failed them.” The Lord breaks His silence. “No, daughter, I sent you. I have gone before you. The people are My concern, not yours.”
At home, we prayed.
“Why did you call me to the mission field and abandon me here in pain where I am so alone and ill?” Hot tears sting her beautiful face. “I will bargain with You Lord; please don’t take away this opportunity to serve You.”
At home, we prayed.
As the battle continues over her mind, the shots ring out. “God is not faithful! He brought you to foreign soil and abandoned you! He has neglected and forgotten you! He has left you alone and afraid.” Shots grow more intense. “You can’t trust GOD!”
At home, we prayed.
In the thick darkness as the enemy seemed to be winning, a light cut through with a blaze of glory. With the glint of His great sword, God revealed His great love for her. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
At home, we prayed.
She felt the gentle hand of her Savior and heard His quiet, calm voice. “Patiently trust Me, child of mine. I am with you. You are not alone. Take My hand. Draw close to Me. I hear your cries and the enemy cannot hurt you. I am leading this battle. I know it is frightening but trust ME and let Me lead you on this journey. I will not forsake you. You have asked me for much. Your heart’s desire is to know My heart. You asked to be totally surrendered to Me, to submit to My will and be refined and purified by My fire. This is your chosen journey. Do you accept this impossible mission, My daughter?”
Between sobs, her prayer was heard in the hospital bed next to hers.
“Nothing is impossible to You, Lord. I accept my circumstances from Your hand, knowing Your love for me is more than I could ever imagine. Forgive my doubts and fears. I will deny myself and pick up my cross and follow You.”
*This devotional concerns a young female serving the Lord in a foreign country. The battle takes place in her hospital bed. Please keep her and all missionaries in prayer for their many concerns.