Ephesians 6:11-18

I may have underestimated his experience in the game. In fury of the damage he had done to my life in the past, I challenged him. My “loins girt about with truth”, I launched my first attack. He dodged, immediately retaliating with a well-aimed punch. My rib-cage crackled.

Grabbing the “breastplate of righteousness”, I rushed forward again. He stretched forth his right foot, setting a trap. I tripped over and fell flat on the floor.

I had hardly stood up, my “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” when the enemy struck again, this time around with an arrow. Too late, the arrow pierced the left side of my tummy. I staggered back, blood trickling down. I tried to draw it out of my flesh, but the pain was unbearable. In agony, I considered giving up.

Not yet! Quickly recovering, I made a beeline for “the shield of faith.” The enemy changed tactics. Taking advantage of my unprotected head, he smashed. My vision got blurred. All I could see were bright stars falling off the dark sky. How did I forget to put on “the helmet of salvation?”

Having recuperated, my helmet now on, I felt safe and confident, hoping to win. Eyes locked, we faced one another, waiting for who would strike first. He charged at me. I charged back, but with bare hands. I needed a sword badly. In a swift turn to pick the sword, the last thing I heard was a descending blow. My world went pitch-dark. Half unconscious, I lay on the floor moaning in excruciating pain.

I didn’t want to give up. All I needed was the strength to continue. Then, I remembered my captain – the one who brought me out of the miry clay. My cry of helplessness turned into “prayer and supplication in the spirit.” All of a sudden, a bright light enveloped me. And I saw One like unto the Son of man. Then I cried: “save me Oh Lord or I die!”

The Captain of my soul smiled at me: “I’m here to help thee.” His warm smile instantly healed my body and strengthened my spirit.

Heart burning with hatred, I slashed the enemy with the “sword of the Spirit.” He fell flat. Closing on, I aimed for the last blow that would finish the evil one, once and for all. Before I could deal this deadly blow, the enemy was gone. In a jiffy he had jumped up and ran for his life.

Oh! I wasted time! Why didn’t I strike immediately? When is he coming back? From now on, I will stick on to my Saviour, the Captain of my soul, who is ever near, to supply the winning grace that I need everyday of my life.

okenna obi-igbokwe