Surviving Dragons

Armor is no guarantee of victory

You may be in the fight of your life right now and the victory is in the balance. 

For the Christian the Lord has provided you with armor for the conflicts. But armor isn’t a guarantee the battle will be easy or victorious, it’s a protection, a provision, a help. Without it, you’d most surely perish, with it, you have the possibility of prevailing. 

Ephesians 6:10-13

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is 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 the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Too many Christians move through life like there’s no dragon hungry to devour. Too many spouses and parents fail to engage the war waging hot against the home and hearts of those they love. 

Far too many Christians are “AWOL”: Absent Without Official Leave. A demonic onslaught is happening and troops are missing. It’s a lie and deception to think the war is optional and participation is only required if it fits the schedule. Dereliction of Duty to one’s fellow warrior is deadly to those who have no support or reinforcements. God help those who charge into the fray and turn around and find that those who rallied and professed fidelity are nowhere to be found. 

I pray for those behind enemy lines who are furiously fighting hand to hand, sword to claw and fang, face to beast, outmanned, out-armed and yet, valiantly stand their ground. 

You are the overcomers and honor, glory and reward are coming from your Lord’s heart and hand. Hold Fast!

---

Beowulf, (Translation by Seamus Heaney)

“My armor helped me to hold out;

my hard-ringed chain-mail, 

hand-forged and linked, 

a fine, close-fitting filigree of gold, 

kept me safe when some ocean creature 

pulled me to the bottom. 

Pinioned fast and swathed in its grip, 

I was granted one final chance: 

my sword plunged and the ordeal was over. 

Through my own hands, 

the fury of battle had finished off the sea-beast.

“Time and again, foul things attacked me, 

lurking and stalking, but I lashed out, 

gave as good as I got with my sword. 

My flesh was not for feasting on, 

there would be no monsters 

gnawing and gloating over their banquet 

at the bottom of the sea. 

Light came from the east, 

bright guarantee of God, 

and the waves went quiet; 

I could see headlands and buffeted cliffs. 

Often, for undaunted courage, 

fate spares the man 

it has not already marked.

However it occurred, 

my sword had killed nine sea-monsters. 

Such night-dangers and hard ordeals 

I have never heard of nor of 

a man more desolate in surging waves.

But worn out as I was, I survived,

came through with my life.”

Art by George Redreev