the war we're in

Lewis tells us about the trials of war today in A Year with C.S. Lewis.

And reading what he says reminds us that we are at war with the world in which we live. We don't wrestle against other people... but we're at war with the principalities and powers of this age. And those spirits do sometimes come attack us.

I've often wondered at the fact that one of the groups I work for does so much good in the world, helping people and making the world a better place, and yet we don't seem to get attacked by the enemy very often. I usually attribute that to the prayer coverage that we get from so many people.

But then I realize that we DO get attacked. That very often, our health suffers. We have moments of self-doubt, when everything seems in vain. We struggle to meet our financial needs. We have problems with simple operations in the group, with little or no explanation.

Lewis tells us that in war, the soldier faces every type of suffering and worry that man faces, from death to deprivation to loss of loved ones and loneliness. And I guess we face those things, too, those of us who are trying our best to "fight the good fight." It's not always obvious, like bombs and bullets and tanks. It's more subtle, the gnawing doubt in our minds, the creeping threat of serious illness. But we face those things, too.

Jesus told us it would happen. He said don't be surprised when the world hates you. It hated Jesus, too. But, my friends, take heart.

He has overcome the world.

God, thank You for being with us in the trenches as we strive to fight Your good fight.