Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me. // Psalm 144:1-2
Last winter in preparation for a men’s retreat, my husband brought home a very large sword sheathed in leather with a shoulder strap. Unsheathed, it is shiny and quite heavy, and I can only imagine the strength and agility it would take to use it effectively in a real battle.
A few weeks ago, that sword accompanied me to the week-long summer camp I lead for junior-high girls. As I spoke to almost 300 young women, the sword was beside me, a vivid reminder of a reality we often fail to see as we go about our daily lives. There is a spiritual battle raging for the hearts and minds and the eternal souls of every human. We have an enemy who will not rest until we are separated from our Heavenly Father and our destiny as His beloved children. To be reminded of this battle when life is hard is important, but it's not enough. We need to be battle-ready each day, to learn how to engage in spiritual combat for ourselves, and for those we love.
Throughout the week at camp, we wielded the Sword of the Spirit as we read, proclaimed, and rooted ourselves in what God’s unshakable Truth tells us about Who He is and who we are. We encountered His personal Love in Adoration, and we fortified ourselves, feasting on the true Manna from Heaven. As sisters in Christ, we sat face-to-face, loving, encouraging, and championing one another. As warriors in Christ, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer, renouncing the lies of the enemy and proclaiming God’s truth.
In a week’s time, a battle for souls was fought, captives were set free, enemy territory was taken, and there was great joy. We remain determined to fight for ourselves and one another with confidence and courage in a world that so desperately needs to know that the darkness cannot and will not overcome the Light.
Daughters of the King, by virtue of your identity, you are called to this daily battle! Ask the Lord to train and equip you to fight with His weapons of war. Pick up the sword of His Word each day and wield His truth with authority. Be not discouraged or afraid for the battle belongs to the Lord!
Be not discouraged or afraid for the battle belongs to the Lord! // Debra Herbeck Click to tweet
Debra Herbeck is a Jewish convert to the Church who serves extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She directs Pine Hills Girls Camp (for 34 years), and is the Founder and Director of Be Love Revolution, a ministry for high school girls. Find her books here. She and her husband have four children and eight grandchildren. She is the author of Blessed Conversations: Misericordia. Find out more about her here.
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