After countless victories, a noted swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, advised:
"The true Way of sword fencing is the craft of defeating the enemy in a fight, and nothing other than this. You need never doubt that you will win."
As Christians, we not only face the turmoil of the physical world, but we also face the spiritual onslaught of Satan's dominions, who constantly seek to tear us away from God (Ephesians 6:12).
In the face of seemingly insurmountable and unending onslaughts, should we abandon all hope? Should we panic and fall into the dark abyss of depression?
As the enemy approaches, the Word of God gives us strength to remain calm, even in the face of certain death (Psalms 23:4). He offers the promise, through His own word, that He hears our prayers (Psalms 56:9). Never doubt that you will overcome.
Before my words have even left my mouth, they have been forgotten by the world. In contrast, before my prayers are even formed in my mind, God has heard my prayers. It is not only the Spirit of God that inspired the writers of the Holy Bible, but also the very truth of God's words, which cause the words to lift from the pages and ignite the flames of faith into the hearts of those who would believe.
GRANDPA'S BIBLE
In 2005, my mother made a Christmas present of my Grandfather's Bible to me. My Grandfather was called to Heaven many, many years ago, but I can still picture him holding his treasured Bible, his treasured sword, open upon his lap. The Bible that served him, as he wielded it against every imaginable enemy that encamped around his family. The Bible that he lifted towards Heaven, as he fought for lost souls.
As a sword that has been used in battle, my Grandpa's Bible also bears witness that it has been tested and tried. I can't begin to imagine the number of battles that he waged, with his Bible upon his lap and his eyes towards Heaven. As a warrior will hold a sword, until the end of the battle, my Grandpa held his Bible that very morning, when God whispered his name.
I carefully turn the pages of my Grandpa's Bible, his sword, and I note that many of the pages are wrinkled, bearing evidence of prayers forged in tears. While my Grandpa never fought in any military campaign and never grasped a sword in his hand, he embodied the very spirit of a warrior, trusting in the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It is a testimony to his faith in God, that the following two passages are highlighted in his Bible:
"When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell"
(Psalms 27:2).
"To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever"
(Psalms 30-12).
LIVING BY THE SWORD
When I hold God's word in my heart, as one would hold a sword, there is no enemy that can cause me to tremble with fear. I hold a sword that has been forged and sharpened by both the love of an omnipotent God and my communion with Him (Hebrews 4:12).
The scattering of words printed on parchment becomes irrevocably etched onto the template of my heart. The words breathe life into my soul, causing me to soar towards Heaven. The words of the prophets resound in my ears, giving hope in the face of my enemies, no matter how great their strength.
Even in silence, the power of God's word resounds with deafening clarity.
When the tips of my fingers lightly brush the gates of Heaven, then and only then will I lay down my sword. The words of God which radiated from parchment will be replaced with the very sound of God's voice. The word of God will illuminate my soul.
Copyright Bruce Durbin
