Battle Fatigue

Soldiers who are part of combat for prolonged periods of time often develop battle fatigue, also called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or shell shock. Characteristics of this mental state include psychological numbness, hyper-awareness, rage, and reliving situations of extreme stress as though they are happening again. Every war leaves men and women scarred in mind and spirit, but we are now discovering that wars without a front - like Vietnam, and now, Iraq - where soldiers never know exactly who the enemy is or where he will come from, produces higher percentages of battle fatigue.

I think I've been feeling a little battle fatigue lately in the spiritual conflict! The Enemy keeps popping up - here, then there - bringing suffering and difficulties to so many lives that touch my life. Cancer, divorce, discouragement, love of this present world, apathy... are just a few of the sins and problems that people have brought to me in recent days. When I add in the barrage of news about depravity that has been on the tube lately, I occasionally feel the urge to run for the hills. Thoughts like - "God, I can't take it anymore. I can't stand another story about the impact of sin, about depravity, about selfishness, greed, or hatred. Is it a 'winnable' war, Lord?" - tumbled through my mind on Monday (my weekly day off from my church duties) while I was riding the lawn tractor and thinking about the 'stuff' of life. God's answer to me was not what I expected. Over the roar of the mower's engine, the Spirit whispered in my heart, "What made you think it should be easy?"

The Bible has many reminders that make it quite clear that our commitment to Christ is one requiring endurance and toughness! Timothy, a young pastor in the early church, met with opposition and apparently was suffering from battle fatigue. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, kicked him in the seat of the pants with this challenge - "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer." (2 Timothy 2:3-4, NIV) In another passage, he shifts the illustration to the marathon - "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NIV)

Christians are called into conflict with evil - a war that has real consequence in both this present world and eternity. We are called to bring hope, healing, and the kingdom of God to our world even as we proclaim the Truth that prepares souls for eternity. Our Enemy attacks from all sides. Sometimes he finds accomplices from within the ranks of those we considered our brothers and they turn on us. Sometimes he is allowed to attack our bodies, which break down and betray us. And we know he is always at work in the world systems where he uses corruption, depravity, and deception in his diabolical mission of destruction.

Yes, of course, we wish for an "Easy" button! (You have seen the Staples ads, haven't you?) But, that is not the way God ordained life to be. Instead, He calls us into service, equips us with the gifts of the Spirit, and sends us to defend and expand the borders of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our efforts are not futile. The war is winnable in Christ's power.

So, "...we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up." (Hebrews 12:1-3, CEV)