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“So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. My powerful right hand will take good care of you. I always do what is right.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIRV)

In the last few months, I have enlisted in the Army. No, not the US Army, but an earthly Army of prayer warriors. I’ve joined with others fighting a war in a foreign place, against a deadly evil from the pits of hell. It wars against the life and body of one of His little ones, so everyday I march on my knees against this terrible enemy. 

The first reports were so terrible and frightening. The scouts reported that the name of the enemy was, “Desmoid,” and its fighting tactics were horrible. The scouts reported all of the possible outcomes of the enemy tactics, from losing a leg, to never having children, to death. The enemy is a very small fighting force, only about 200 in the country, but it is not responding to regular warfare. So we go to prayer for new war plans with which to defeat it. My loving God tells us, “So do not be afraid. I am with you.” As a result, each day I am not afraid as I wage war in the heavenlies from this earthly place.

More and more scouts are consulted, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and second, third, fourth, even fifth opinions are gathered. They all shake their heads, some not knowing what to do; other’s wanting so badly to help. With each day, the prayer warriors march faithfully on, cradling the little one in our prayers, holding her up before our Commander in Chief. The family and the little one travel on in the darkness of fear, helplessness, and sorrow all the while hiding in the shadow of the Commander.

The scouts go out and return again with their survey reports. The monster’s terrible growth must be stopped. Chemotherapy, surgery, vitamins—Try everything, they say. More bad news: The monster is finicky, erratic, tenacious, and it is very probable that it will return. Praying still, the warriors go out, determined to defeat this enemy. Reassuringly, the Commander says to us, “Do not be terrified. I am your God.”

So the battle begins. The generals issue the orders; the war plans are drawn up. The big guns are pulled into place. The soldiers begin to bring in the weapons, the drugs, and the medications—all of the artillery. The little one is so young, but she is strong and ready. So begins the fight against this deadly and determined enemy. The first salvos are launched and she does well. She is going to graduate from college soon and is determined to walk down the aisle for that precious reward.

We prayer warriors surround her night and day with prayer and petitions on her behalf before the Throne. Each moment a new voice raises to His Ear, sometimes two; at times, a clamor of pleas for strength, healing, and hope for the little one. Tears come from the warriors’ eyes, knees ache and hearts strive in faith for this healing. Quietly His Voice speaks to the ear of each heart, “I will make you strong and help you.”

Now others fighting the same battle come to stand beside the little one. Their hearts and arms hold her up as they tell her they have survived. They encourage her, and share their own fear while she shares her hope. She gains some strength and goes on. It’s time for the next step; the prayer warriors march before her clearing the path with their prayers and battling for the clarity for the general’s decisions about the battle plan. She comes home to attend her Honors ceremony, what joy in that simple time! But it’s back to the bunker to prepare for the next assault on this awful enemy.

Before the next mobilization, some good days arrive. The little one feels better and actually walks down the aisle to retrieve her diploma. Such celebration as future plans begin to form and hope is strengthened! The generals decide against more drugs because they aren’t working. So the next attack plan is plotted even though the outcome could be even more terrible. Surgery is decided on, and the hour and place are set.

Once again we warriors are called out to fight and the hours of incense rise to heaven on behalf of the little one. Beseeching her Heavenly Papa to protect and preserve her, asking for a miracle, reminding Him of all He has promised, yet not our will, but His be done. Earnestly seeking His Face for her all the moments of the surgery, wisdom for the surgeons, and peace for the family. Nine hours of surgery later, the report comes back from the front lines: “The battle is finished, now we must wait. 85% of it is gone, everything is intact, and we didn’t have to remove anything at all. There is no nerve damage, her leg is fine.”

Hallelujahs are shouted to the highest heavens. The warriors rejoice in His Strength and Might! The generals and soldiers alike are amazed at what has happened. One general came out about three quarters of the way through and said that if he had knew how ugly that enemy was; he’d never have gone forward with the attack. The angels in heaven dance at the faithfulness of the Commander and He smiles on His warriors. But the family of the little one and those surrounding them with love and prayer hear the Commander when He tells us all, “My powerful right hand will take good care of you.”

The little one is home, resting and gaining strength. The wound is not healing well so we prayer warriors continue to battle. I know that each day my prayers go before the Father on behalf of the little one, for strength, for peace and healing, for her growing in Him even at what seems like a dark time in her young life. He kindly whispers, “I always do what is right.”

Without a shadow of a doubt, this warrior on her knees knows that He is still on the Throne, and she is still in His Arms.

Note: Today, I’d like to ask for your prayers on behalf of Hanna and her family. The war is not yet over, and she is still fighting. God bless you, DLMP

Copyright 2006 by Desiree Pheister

Desirée L.M. Pheister is a wife, mother, and grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, needlework and looking for ways to bless others. You may reach her at: marrion8955@yahoo.com