The Dragon, dressed in Battle-gear had marked me for a fight.

The weapons of war, He handpicked for me,

The Beast took aim at my heart,

And fixed his view on what He knew would lay my life apart.

He perceived in me an easy mark - dark and scarred by loss,

With each crack of his whip, I strengthened my grip

and clung to the old rugged cross.

His cannon fired Discouragement determined to break and bruise,

In prayer I was bound and held my ground

with the armour of Jesus to use.

Strain and Fatigue shouted I'd been deserted - scorn blurted in cruel mocking laugh;

Even though I was falling, others were calling the Father on my behalf.

With trusting eyes, I scanned the skies claiming

vict'ry that Calvary won

The enemy beat, declared defeat;

The Kingdom summoned had come.

Yes, I'll hold my post,

for the Heavenly Host

arrives when required

the most.

-Arlene L. Martin, 03/03