Field notes for battle – mental, emotional, spiritual battle

Imagining days ahead where the battle strikes before us, and without warning we’re there again, in the thick of jungle or desert terrain, these notes are preparatory — much as we must plan, prepare, response and recover situations that pose mortal threat.

§     know that, even after the most initial engagements with any enemy, be it human, spiritual or circumstantial, that harm does occur, and it heralds the need for healing

§     notice the presence of your fellow battlers.  Don’t leave them fend, bloody and bruised in the battlefield without help.  Carry them with you as necessary.  Don’t leave them there to perish listlessly or in anguish before the enemy

§     as Jacob wrestled and got what he needed, but also left with a limp, again, battle scars are part of the journey.  They’re there as visible reminders of the cost of battle, and to remind us that we need external help at times.  As we learn to limp, we’re reminded of the need of humility if we’re to sustain ourselves in future battles

§     preparing when a battle has ceased is crucial.  What did we learn in the battle that just took place that we wouldn’t know otherwise?  It’s time when all is safe to prepare for the next sortie, knowing in it that IT TOO SHALL PASS

§     we need that hope in the battle — this is not a forever thing — this, too, shall pass — so, help me hold the line, engage strategically, tactically, operationally — to know that being a soldier, a warrior isn’t an end in itself, but an important means to an end, and that end is peace

§     amid the ferocity of battle, when there’s temptation to panic and fold, or just as bad to rise in an unnecessary anger, we simply remind ourselves that we’ve prepared for this

§     as Paul said, when we battle with anxiousness, and we put this on repeat, “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God that transcends your understanding will be yours....” — that peace has myriad form about it, depending on the person and situation.  Who, amid battle, isn’t prepared to ask for divine help?  Don’t we accept resources for battle from every known source?

§     as we take hold of every resource needed, using each wisely, we fully expect that the held we receive will only have temporary effect — so we are fully prepared to re-engage in the battle and re-engage as necessary.  Few battles are won on the initial engagement

If you’re given to battle, and verily we’re in this war called life, you’re blessed to approach it as a fierce warrior.  Battles as these — the battles of life — it is your destiny to survive through.  Look at you!  Look at what you’ve already survived.

For the battles that are still coming, imagine being equipped like never before.

When we imagine, as it truly is, that life is a series of battles, we plan, prepare for what responses are needed, and think about our recovery.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash