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Turf Wars
by Major Janice Howard
IHQ, International College for Officers
Turf wars...I never would have thought that in
my "backyard" that I would see turf wars. I am currently
sitting outside overlooking the property, spending time in the
Word, listening to music, and watching the fox. In a matter of
about an hour, I will be tucked securely inside of my home and
away from danger.
It is most interesting; the baby fox are now separating from
their mothers. I have not seen mom for several days, but the
excitement will be here in about two hours. As it gets dark
the activity really begins. At that time the fox are no longer
"cute". They will not be frolicking and nipping at each other;
they will be out for war. Yes, war! Other younger fox are
trying to take over their territory and they are fighting like
mad to retain their turf. Since they all look alike I cannot
tell who is winning this battle. I do know that almost all day
long I can now see at least one fox sitting on a small hill,
protecting the family property. I don't know how long this
will take, but soon there will be several people inhabiting
the property. I am told that it will soon be over, either the
turf will be established or the activity of all of the people
will scare them away...all of them, even the ones who have
"ownership" to the property and have been living here.
I use this as an example to Christians; we are fighting a
battle as well...a battle between life and death, a battle for
family members. By family members I am referring to every
person living on this earth. Have they not been created by
God? Then they are our brothers and sisters. The problem lies
with our actions. Too often we do not go to battle to protect
and ensure that they will be victorious to the point of Life.
You say that you are not gifted in evangelism; well neither am
I. This I do know, there is a battle for souls and there are
not enough gifted evangelists who are actively engaged in the
battle. We need to stand and fight together.
I often wonder if we truly care that our brothers and sisters
are going to hell. Really care? Think about a time when an
immediate, blood relative was in danger. Maybe it was an
illness, a major decision, a dangerous situation. How often
were your thoughts directed towards that relative? What about
your actions? Did you do anything? What about prayer? Was it
casual or was it intense and often. Did you find yourself
pouring out your heart in intercession for that person? Sure,
you did. Well, our brothers and sisters need that same
intensity for battle over their lives. It is a matter of life
and death.
Satan is roaming around on this earth looking to devour. He
targets children and senior citizens; he attacks the physical
bodies as well as the minds; he uses gossip and human
trafficking; he delights in abortion and pornography; he
slithers in through indifference and passivity; he will do
whatever he can to claim territory. Do we care enough about
our territory to fight for it? Do we care enough about the
“fam” to fight and protect our members?
The fight is not a short battle; it is a long war. There are
times when progress seems nil, but we must continue to
advance. How do we not become overwhelmed or discouraged? How
do we not lose sight of the victory? Let us encourage one
another through the sharing of the victories in the battles.
As we are able to see small victory upon small victory, we
will know that The Victory is closer.
As the one fox watches for hours each day, who is standing
guard for our turf? Prayer warriors? Great! Who are they? Are
you one? No? Why not? I thought that you said that you truly
cared for the family? Not equipped? No excuse as we have been
given the armor and the instructions to suit up every single
day. Are we currently equipped with our armor? Yes? Then why
is it that when the battle is launched we think that it is
against flesh and blood. NO! It is against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
How do I know? It's printed in God's Word. Have you read God's
Word today? Have you studied and meditated on it? I'm not
asking if you have read some pre masticated surface
devotional, but have you spent time with God in His Word? That
is how we prepare ourselves for the battle.
Interesting, as the fox begin to come out of hiding in the
darkness of the trees and tall grass, I am retreating to the
comfort of my home. Yes, I will still be able to see the
fight, but I don’t have to be engaged in it. This analogy does
not reflect a parallel in my prayer life, does it yours? I
refuse to retreat in the midst of the “family’s” turf war. I
shall continue to fight and do battle through prayer. I refuse
to come timidly to the throne on behalf of weak brothers and
sisters. It is my responsibility to fight and it is yours as
well. Let us stand and stand firm. Let us to the throne come
and come boldly.
Warriors...not just a few people; we all need to be God's
warriors. We must not allow fatigue or discouragement to strip
us of our focus. We must not allow satan to play with our
minds. We must get properly suited and we must know how to
fight the battle. Lord, I know where the final victory stands;
it stands with You. Don't allow my knowing that fact make me
passive; You work through your people on earth. There is work
to be done through your servants this day and in the days to
come. Instruct us in our preparation and teach us to identify
the real enemy. It is not the people that we see, but satan
working in and through them. Lord, help us to fight the ugly
battle that entangles children, the battle that convinces men
and women of satan's lies, the battle that attacks the minds
of Christians. We want to be your warriors...use us...use me!
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