Recently, I received the following poem from my good friend Michael Utterback, who runs the Jerusalem Support Center in Israel. The poem is a prelude to a portion of Psalm 103.
This is for all of you who long to be a mighty warrior for the King of Kings, but have recently faced a setback. May you always remember that the closer you get to Jesus, the more you are aware of your shortcomings, and the devil will try to use that to get you out of the game.
It is good to know that although we are but dust, we still are precious in His sight.
Now, if you have fallen off your horse … get back on and fight the good fight! FIGHT ON!
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The Warrior
The warrior rushed to fight the war, “I’m strong and I can win; months and years I have labored well, to stand against all sin. I have trained my hands, my heart, and my mind; my ar-mor shines like the light and there is thunder in my sword; my cause is just and right!”
“What foe is there that I can’t conquer with God here by my side? Can hounds from hell or demons black force me to run and hide? I laugh at fear and mock at taunts, there is nothing I dread. I will face them all and not turn back, I am strong!” the warrior said.
Then darkest night came falling down upon the warrior’s camp; a hurricane of fierce black wind blew out the Warrior’s lamp! “How can I fight,” the warrior cried, “with something I cannot see? The pain of death, the fear of hell is sweeping over me!”
“Oh dear God,” the Warrior gasped, “How foolish I have been … I put my trust in my own strength, against the war of sin. Now so alone, with downcast heart, I’ve nowhere else to turn, dear Father God I come to You, please teach and I will learn.”
As sudden as a summer rain, God’s whisper gently came, so soft and calm above the storm, the Lord called the warrior’s name. “My dearest child, don’t you know I remember you as dust; I won’t condemn. Just come back in, give up and only trust.”
“As far as East is from the West, I have hidden all your sin. My compassion never fails, I long to call you friend. I know your pain, your broken heart, just come to me today, like a Father with his child, I’ll help you find your way!” —Michael Utterback
The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us ac-cording to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:
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Remember in our weaknesses, He is made strong! FIGHT ON!
