When someone who is lost lashes out at you, it may not be because of something you’ve done but something they’re going through. The devil sends his flaming arrows at the lost as well; we who are saved are not his only target. All people, everyone on the globe is a target for him. That’s why Jesus died for all, so all may be rescued from the darkness the enemy surrounds them with.
“‘OW!’ roared the lion. ‘There’s a thorn in my paw. Who will take it out’?”
{The question was asked all through the jungle, but every animal asked replied with ‘Not I’. Finally, the lion came upon one who didn’t fear nor present an excuse.}
“‘I will,’ said the little mouse. And she did!’
The Lion’s Paw
(First and last page quoted)
By: Jane Werner Watson
We who know Christ in our hearts are the mice of the world. We can’t heal the wounds on someone else’s soul, only Jesus can do that. However, we can help by removing the thing keeping the wound open or applying a salve. We can even help extinguish the flames on the victim of the arrows. We do these things by being an ear to the one who wants to be heard, by being the shoulder that catches the tears, the wall of love that not only refuses to fall no matter how hard the wounded pound upon it but will also provide cover during an attack. We do these things because Jesus did it for us. If we’re willing, He’ll teach us to do it for them.
He doesn’t promise the battlefield to be easy to traverse. We’ll stumble, we may even fall. But if we lean on Him and His knowledge, we’ll find the strength to get back up and push forward. He’ll teach us how to carry our shield. He’ll show us that if we move it in front of those we know are hurting (if we pray for them passionately) we can provide them cover from the devil’s attacks and give them rest so they may heal. Yes, they may attack us; they’re still on fire from the arrows and are still bleeding from their wounds. They’re still blind and think out of fear the one closest to them is the one hurting them. It will take a great effort of love on our part and Jesus’ miraculous healing until they can realize and recognize the loving truth.
We must endure, for we know the truth and we see Jesus in our hearts. Our pain from new wounds is temporary. Their pain has lasted for years and hasn’t even begun to heal, and won’t until Jesus’ story is spoken into their lives, reaching to the depths of their souls. We must not leave them alone in the darkness, for the devil likes to divide and conquer. He attacks when we are by ourselves, using loneliness as a weapon. He destroys their hope. He blinds them to the truth. He hands them salt water and they take it, believing it’s the water they crave, but they are left still thirsting. We must help them with what Jesus provides us, just like those before you helped you with the tools Jesus gave them.
We are not on this battlefield to fight anything that opposes us. The battle isn’t ours; it’s God’s, and He is already victorious. We are here to help the wounded. We are here to guard the truth. We are here to lift up those around us and to live in harmony. We are here to provide for those in need.
We are here to fight fire with love.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head’. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-21
Not the Norm 