Encouragement From the Front Lines

In a field of rosy flowers as the sun fell in the western sky, a young man approached a girl whose head was bowed as if in prayer. He paused, eyes lingering upon her until she opened her eyes and drew close to him.

"David," she breathed. "I'm so glad you came."

"Did you think I'd forget, Brina?" He asked teasingly.

"No," Brina answered, her brown eyes full of trust. "I knew you'd come."

"I can only stay a short while," David confessed, drawing her close. "Tell me how your day has been."

Brina closed her eyes as their foreheads touched, soaking in the precious moments with her beloved. "The Lord led me to fight for a girl's life, battling doubt, fear and despair as she wonders whether life is worth living. And then a young mother struggling to protect her children from darkness prayed for strength and peace and the Lord saw fit to send me to speak encouragement and hope over her. Psalm 27:1 soothed many hearts today."

"Ah, the verse that came up again and again for me was Joshua 1:9," David said. "Men and boys all over are doubting their calling and fear that God has abandoned them."

"But it's not true!" Brina burst out hotly.

"Of course it isn't true - we both know that. The enemy is working hard to cast the shadow of fear into men and women everywhere so they question and doubt God's goodness and love and power. But God is greater than any fear and He will not let His people fall. The fire does not consume them - though it may singe, they emerge stronger in the end."

It's amazing that God called us, two regular people, to further the fight of the Cross." Brina pushed her thick curly hair to one side and gazed up at David. "There's nothing special about us. But He called us to uplift, soothe and encourage so many."

"Perhaps he called us to prove a point to others. When we followed God's calling, even average normal people are equipped to do great things for the kingdom. Perhaps we are not in the thick of battle against anxiety, evil and darkness like some, but we know that it is small acts of kindness and love, small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay with the Lord's blessing."

They sat together, watching the sun set the field ablaze as it sank down to earth.

-______________________

Bible verses mentioned:

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Author's note:

I am fascinated by names and their meanings. In case you are as well, here you go! :)

- David means Beloved

- Brina means Protector