This is How We Fight
This past couple of months have felt like we were preparing for war. A spiritual war, but a war nonetheless. We have been working hard to prevent this war, and preparing just in case. As a camp we have hunkered down in all the necessary ways to protect ourselves and these hallowed grounds to be used for the ministry we were created for. We have spent hours in prayer and fasting discerning what and where and when we are to move forward.
There have been many divine moments of answers, nudges, gifts, and incredible weather. The enemy is still working just as hard to win this war. We have had many patrons on our trails and it has been good to see people out enjoying the weather. Each time someone doesn't follow the rules it feels like a blow, because we are trying to remain open to serve people now but ultimately our campers this summer.
It felt like the sun stood still on Thursday night as we listened to the Governor's address for Kansas. Her answer was a mixture of good news and still more questions. We came together yesterday, in the same room, for the first time in a month, to figure out the battle plan. Then through many conversations with officials and experts we made the decision to pause camper registration and wait to see how this first phase of the phase-out goes.
These decisions and answers have in some ways made it harder for us to hold onto the hope of a summer of camp. It feels like there is this thin rope holding everything up, and any of a number of things could happen and it will all come crashing down. Yesterday was painful, hopeful, and exhausting. As we transitioned from the decisions to family life, it was obvious that everything had changed. We were no longer in a time of hopeful prayer filled with hopeful bliss. We are now at war. Thursday night the bomb went off, Friday we established our battle plan. And Saturday, today feels like the first day of battle.
So how do we fight a battle in a war we cannot see? How do we fight an enemy who is the master of evil? How do we even hope to win against a virus throwing enemy? Well we do it on our knees, with fasting, with arms raised in praise to the one who is actually fighting this war.
The song, "This Is How I Fight My Battles" by Upperroom says it so well.
There is a table that you prepared for me
In the presence of my enemies.
It's your body and your blood you shed for me
This is how I fight my battles
.......
It may look like I am surrounded
But I am surrounded by you.
This is true for us today, and every day. We are always surrounded by God. And the enemy is always fighting against us. This feels different because there is a virus that is being used as a weapon and this new warfare is like none we have ever seen.
But we are a people of faith.
If God can win the battle against nations that try to make Him illegal, He can beat a virus.
If God can win the battle against Jericho with a walk and a war cry, He can beat a virus.
If God can talk to Moses in a bush, He can beat a virus.
If God can part the waters and save thousands of Hebrew people from an Egyptian army, He can beat a virus.
If God can raise Lazarus from the dead, He can beat a virus.
If God can conquer Saul's heart and send Paul into ministry for Him, He can beat a virus.
If God can conquer death, with a cross and a crown of thorns, He can beat a virus.
We may be in a war against an enemy we cannot see. But the commander of the army can see all things. The time is now. God is calling us to arms. We have been drafted. It is time to fight like we have never fought before. Pick up your weapons of praise and prayer, the time is now!!!!
There have been many divine moments of answers, nudges, gifts, and incredible weather. The enemy is still working just as hard to win this war. We have had many patrons on our trails and it has been good to see people out enjoying the weather. Each time someone doesn't follow the rules it feels like a blow, because we are trying to remain open to serve people now but ultimately our campers this summer.
It felt like the sun stood still on Thursday night as we listened to the Governor's address for Kansas. Her answer was a mixture of good news and still more questions. We came together yesterday, in the same room, for the first time in a month, to figure out the battle plan. Then through many conversations with officials and experts we made the decision to pause camper registration and wait to see how this first phase of the phase-out goes.
These decisions and answers have in some ways made it harder for us to hold onto the hope of a summer of camp. It feels like there is this thin rope holding everything up, and any of a number of things could happen and it will all come crashing down. Yesterday was painful, hopeful, and exhausting. As we transitioned from the decisions to family life, it was obvious that everything had changed. We were no longer in a time of hopeful prayer filled with hopeful bliss. We are now at war. Thursday night the bomb went off, Friday we established our battle plan. And Saturday, today feels like the first day of battle.
So how do we fight a battle in a war we cannot see? How do we fight an enemy who is the master of evil? How do we even hope to win against a virus throwing enemy? Well we do it on our knees, with fasting, with arms raised in praise to the one who is actually fighting this war.
The song, "This Is How I Fight My Battles" by Upperroom says it so well.
There is a table that you prepared for me
In the presence of my enemies.
It's your body and your blood you shed for me
This is how I fight my battles
.......
It may look like I am surrounded
But I am surrounded by you.
This is true for us today, and every day. We are always surrounded by God. And the enemy is always fighting against us. This feels different because there is a virus that is being used as a weapon and this new warfare is like none we have ever seen.
But we are a people of faith.
If God can win the battle against nations that try to make Him illegal, He can beat a virus.
If God can win the battle against Jericho with a walk and a war cry, He can beat a virus.
If God can talk to Moses in a bush, He can beat a virus.
If God can part the waters and save thousands of Hebrew people from an Egyptian army, He can beat a virus.
If God can raise Lazarus from the dead, He can beat a virus.
If God can conquer Saul's heart and send Paul into ministry for Him, He can beat a virus.
If God can conquer death, with a cross and a crown of thorns, He can beat a virus.
We may be in a war against an enemy we cannot see. But the commander of the army can see all things. The time is now. God is calling us to arms. We have been drafted. It is time to fight like we have never fought before. Pick up your weapons of praise and prayer, the time is now!!!!
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