Battle on the Homefront

“When you go into battle in your own land, against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by LORD your God and rescued from your enemies”. Numbers 10:9

My home was a battlefield this morning. The quiet of the dawn breaking over the land was interrupted by a shrill bark from our eleven week old puppy. Such a little guy, such a big bark. Of course, this bark woke up my snoozing three year old. Such a little girl, such a big bark!

From this moment on, my morning was off and running and I had not even a chance to grab some much needed caffeine. The puppy needed walking, the child needed breakfast, the puppy and child ran rings around each other. I can never tell if they are playing or engaged in mortal combat. Screams and barks filled my house as I tried to make breakfast and clean up the mess that seems to be ever present in my kitchen.

In the midst of all the chaos, there were several times that I had to correct, rather sternly, both my two legged and my four legged child. Puppy had to be taught that biting is not a good thing. It will get you put in your kennel for a time out. Daughter had to be taught that talking back to mommy will get you a time out as well. I quickly became the enemy in both of their eyes. And quite frankly, I was beginning to feel like they were both my enemies instead of a sweet child that I love with my whole being and a cute yellow Labrador that is slowly hooking my heart with love as well.

As I waged war with these two in my home, the above verse came to mind. I couldn’t tell you when I read it – or why it was recalled this morning, but it came back to me vividly. I was in battle, in my own land. This home that my husband and I created, the dream that was fulfilled nine years ago, has been a place of so much joy and laughter. This morning however, it was the battleground between a mommy, a daughter and an equally strong willed pup.

Gathering my wits about me, I quickly sounded my trumpets.

Now, in the world I live in, there are no silver trumpets lying around to ward off the enemy and alert God to His promise. But I did manage to get to the radio and start the praise music –if nothing else, it calmed my nerves. It was my way of calling out to God. And you know what. He remembered me. Soon, the puppy tired out. My child got bored of torturing him as well and settled in to watch her favorite DVD on the television. Suddenly, the noise that had reigned in the house a few minutes earlier was gone. The peacefulness was as warm as a hug to me. I was able to clean the kitchen, pick up the toys and even managed to sweep the front porch.

Do you have moments like this in your life? When they come, and they will come, I hope that you remember the above verse. Don’t think of it as an outdated promise to some long ago dead Israelites. It is a promise to you as well. God sees us when we do battle. He hears us when we call for help. He is covenant maker and keeper and His promise is that He will deliver us. Claim that promise. Cling to it when hard times and battles come upon you. If He can quiet my barking dog and screaming child, He can do the impossible for you too.

Written by Beverly R Whitaker

About Beverly -
Beverly R. Whitaker is a stay at home wife and a mommy to an adorable three year old little girl. She is a preacher’s kid, an Army brat, an only child and a writer. Life with a three year old and a new puppy is never dull and inspiration and writing material is always available. You can read more about this crazy life and how she finds joy in the everyday moments of life on her blog entitled “Happy In The Moment.” Visit her at www.beverlyhappymoments.blogspot.com