Fighting a Battle
I’ve been in a battle since early July. On the outside it looks like a simple legal battle, but it is really much more.
I am battling with people over something very important; the outcome of the battle will affect me and others I care about for many years. There is no winning in this battle, but there has already been great loss.
I didn’t want this fight; I didn’t ask for it. Others made choices. Now I must fight for one who cannot fight for themself, one who trusts me to fight for them.
Though I am battling with people in this matter, God keeps reminding me my true enemies are never people.
People are made in His image. He loves people so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins, not just yours and mine but for those of the whole world, even those people on the other side of our private battles.
This may look as if I’m at war with people; however, I war not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12)
I wish it could have turned out differently. I wish they knew a different way to behave. I wish they would have chosen a different path months and years ago. If they had, we would not be in this place. But they made choices, and choices have consequences, so here we are.
I have been called to protect one who cannot protect themself. So I will fight. I will fight with everything in me. I will sacrifice, and I will not give up because God put me in this fight.
Yet, I have this strange compassion for the people on the other side. I do not hate them for what they have done; they don’t yet know a better way. I pray for them. My husband and I pray for them. I grieve for them and those they have harmed. Their behavior makes me sad. They are losing something they dearly wanted. Something that was never theirs to begin with. Something they were entrusted with yet did not cherish. Something precious to me and to God.
I suppose my point is that in the midst of this battle I must remember truth. I must remember I have been bought with a price. I am not my own and did not deserve the grace shown me by Christ.
And so, I will not rejoice over the pain of others. I will not celebrate a victory when others are hurting. I will try, with God’s help, to overcome evil, not with evil, but with good – with love, kindness, compassion, and healthy boundaries. And I will seek God for wisdom and discernment, patience and peace, grace and mercy as I fight the battle He has called me to fight.
And I pray that some day all those involved may seek forgiveness and be reconciled as brothers and sisters in Christ.
May God be glorified in me through this battle.
Christian living, Custody Battle, elder care, Spiritual Battles
davidsdailydose7
It’s sounds like you just want the right thing to be done for someone. I remember when Rita mom was in the hospital and they hadn’t brought her lunch at 2 pm. You walked in and immediately picked up the phone. 10 minutes they brought mom one of everything on the menu. We ALL ate lunch! I’ll never forget that, Kathleen. Thank you for looking out for those who can’t look out for themselves.
KathleenBDuncan
I love your momma!! I miss her daily. Such a special lady.
Sometimes my inner Momma Bear comes out and things get done. 😊
Lily Pierce
Touching post. I pray for you and the ones on the other side, too. ❤
KathleenBDuncan
We all need prayer. Thank you.
granonine
I don’t know, nor do I need to know, details. Clearly this is a great burden on your heart. I will pray that the outcome will glorify Jesus Christ.
KathleenBDuncan
That is my prayer as well..
Gail
Thank you for the reminder that we are not doing battle with people but the enemy of our souls.
KathleenBDuncan
I do need reminders that people are not my enemy! I am to love others with the love of Jesus. Even when it’s hard.
Alicia
I understand your post. I too have great grief over choices made by people who were supposed to protect my daughter. When we adopted her there was joy, great joy, but also sorrow that those I love made choices that harmed my baby girl. I still pray for them to know the love of Jesus.
KathleenBDuncan
And that is His ultimate goal as well: that they know the saving grace and love of Jesus!💕💕
Kim Nolywaika
May God’s will and truth prevail for His glory as you do battle for HIm in the strength of His love. ❤️
KathleenBDuncan
Thank you.