Ode to a lady:

WEARY OF SOUL,
BATTLE WORN,
LOST.

YET ONE MORE DESPAIRING
THAN EVEN I
PLACED HER FAVOR
UPON MY HAND.
PROCLAIMING ME,
HER SALIENT KNIGHT.

STANDING NOW
OVER MY DRAGON
IN VICTORY
SWORD IN HAND,
REFLECTING UPON HER FAVOR,
HER UNBEKNOWN FATE,
THROUGH TEARED VISION.
-S. BRYANT LEWIS

There are many times in our lives that we find ourselves in trouble times. We actively seek out an answer to the situations we find ourselves in. We want that answer(s) to be big, bold, and clearly presented before our eyes on our terms. But the answers that Jesus presents are sometimes given in a whisper, subtly, and unexpectedly by a stranger who is there one moment and gone the next. We must keep ourselves open and listen for the whispers as well as the bold thunder. There will be those persons or situations which come into your life for a brief moment in time - subtly, unexpectedly - as a whisper.

But you may miss the answer because their situation is worse than yours. You may not see the possibility of receiving an answer through them. After all, they are worse off than you are. How can those such as these help you? You feel as if you must help them. You feel that you must come to their rescue just as God word says [Lev 25:35-40 35] ...if one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him... However, sometimes, you will find that it is you who is rescued by the very person you tried to rescue.

Such was the case with one young man. Although he sincerely sought to be the one giving aid and comfort, it was he who was aided and comforted. This young man received a word of confidence and comfort where he least expected it. This word helped him endure the hardships that would come. And when the hardships did come, the dragon in his life was no match for God power. Through the young man, God overcome the dragon.

Remember, God works in ways that are not always known to us. And God also works in ways that we will never understand, but everything God does is for us. God is always for you and never against you. Gods word says that he [Psalm 23:5] prepares a table before me (you) in the presence of my (your) enemies Sit at Gods table and be still. How can you fail? Does he not say that he [Psalm 23:5 anoints my (your) head with oil and that my (your) cup runs over. 6. surely goodness and mercy shall follow me (you) all the days of my (your) life; and I (you) shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. So do not be surprised in whom or where you find his table. Simply sit down at his table, be open and listen to him. This young man in this story found Gods table where he least expected it. The young man received strength and comfort from this table. This was done at a time of great need. God not only provided him comfort at his table, but did it in the presence of his dragon.

I was that young man. God helped me to overcome a seemingly unbeatable dragon. God will do the same for you. Remember, there is NO DRAGON that God can not vanquish. So sit at his table, and give your dragon over to him - totally. If you do so, your victory in God is assured!