Friends in the Battle

How and where do we learn the deep answers to the questions we ask?

What motivates us or gives us courage to investigate to find truth, hope, help?

Why does it feel like at times we are staring into an abyss, only seeing darkness upon darkness instead of seeing ourselves with any real clarity?

The mask we wear, the ‘front’ we want people to see in order to hide the reality, the embarrassment, the pain of what we are really going through is enormous… and yet we long to know and be known.

We long to hear and be heard.

Today, I am engaged in spiritual warfare.

For myself, my family, my friends – even a few I do not know. The battle involves physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and well-being.

Jobs, careers, marriages, addictions, and illnesses, all weighing heavy on peoples hearts and manifesting themselves in confusion, chaos, disorder, anger, guilt, shame, denial – yeah, a lot of denial – as people wrestle with how to continue putting their best foot forward while feeling the weight of their choices and the choices of others.

Deep down, I believe we want someone to call us out on our mess – because there is freedom is the cleansing that is not possible in the covering up. There is also freedom in walking openly with someone that is not possible when we are alone and the only counsel we have is the ever-present chirping of our own solitary voice.

Truth… yes, truth will set us free – at least, that’s what Jesus says.

Yet, for those who say they are followers of Jesus, why is it so hard to be honest about our condition and authentically walk with one another? Why is it so hard to allow ourselves to be vulnerable?

So, I arm myself… I’d like to think I was as spiritual as Paul. As a pastor I suppose I should be. When Paul commends the church at Ephesus with these words, I feel unprepared and inadequate.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. [1]

And then I remember.

When I think I am alone – I am not.

When I think I am hidden, I am seen.

When I think I cannot carry the weight or burden of what others have entrusted to me, It is not their burden I carry – it His Yoke… His Yoke…

His Yoke is not heavy, it light because in the same manner that He Himself bore my sin and shame in His body on a tree – He is bearing the weight and shame of everyone else.

If you are reading this, I may or may not know your exact troubles. I may or may not know you… I do know of the one who does and I am on a journey to discover Him each day. Maybe together, we can drop the masks, let each other in and engage in battle side by side.

I am reminded of a scene in LOTR where Gimli and Legolas are standing next to each other. Gimli turning to Legolas says, “I never thought I would die fighting side by side with an elf.” To which Legolas replies, “How about side by side with a friend?” “Aye,” Gimli says, “I can do that!”

Who are the friends with whom you will do battle, side by side, in this spiritual war? Who are the ones you will give permission to ask the hard questions? Who will you lower your guard for?

All our ability to grow into the “fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ,” depends upon the answer – as does our ability to become victorious in the process.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 6:10–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.