The Commander stood in a large watchtower that overlooked every movement of his troops. In front of him was a vast array of technology: Workers were scurrying here and there in an attempt to keep track of computers that contained an immense data base. Others were busy managing keyboards that were sending and receiving information at extraordinary speeds. Monitors displaying top secret intelligence filled an entire wall, including a larger screen that kept constant video surveillance of the Enemy. On this afternoon, it was the larger screen that was causing grave concern. The visual portion had somehow been lost and in its place was a singular shaft of light.

"Sector 3, report in." The Commander spoke crisply as one who is accustomed to having his orders obeyed.

"General, this is Sector 3, I have some disturbing news to report." The sound came powerfully into the room through the hi-tech speaker system. "Early this morning the Enemy skipped breakfast and withdrew into an isolated area. Not long after that we lost our video portion of the monitoring."

"Sounds like he's attempting a fast...that may be the reason for the loss of visual contact. What about the auditory?" asked the leader his mouth tightening into a thin line.

"Auditory portion is still functioning, sir, and being monitored by Sector 4." came the reply.

"All right, let's hear from Sector 4, then." snapped the Commander.

"Sector 4, uh, here, sir."

"Yes, well what do you have?"

The report was tense.

"It appears that the Enemy has withdrawn to, um, pray, Sir."

"That is disturbing news. Sector 5, see what you can do to provide some distractions in the immediate area. Noises, kids arguing, turn up the volume on the radio."

"Roger." 

A technician approached, handed the Commander a long sheet of paper, and, pointing to it, reported, "Sir, here is the data report showing the Enemy's vital statistics at this present time. Note he is physically weaker due to lack of food and that restless night we just administered." 

"Well, that is good news. We'll have to get on this right away." a half-smile lit his face as he administered the next order. "Sectors 6 and 7, send in hunger pains, thoughts of steak and French fries. Overwhelm him with the desire to sleep. Remind him how late he stayed up." 

"Yes, Sir!" came the prompt reply.

"Sector 8? Sector 8?" 

"This is Sector 8."

"Begin a thorough investigation of the Enemy's weaknesses and report back when you have that analysis. Perhaps there are other areas we may be able to penetrate." 

"Will begin immediately..." the transmission was broken off by another incoming report.

"Sir, this is Sector 5, it appears that all attempts at distractions are currently ineffective. The sounds are failing to penetrate the force shield around the area where the Enemy has withdrawn. We're intensifying the attack, but so far nothing seems to be working."

"Sector 5, what is the nature of the shield?" the question was strained and rigid. 

"It appears to be faith, sir." 

Fierce anger permeated the leader's features. His order was sharp and taut. "Attempt to lower the shield with discouraging news broadcasts." 

"General, this is sectors 6 and 7, He's not giving in to the urge for sleep, and the thoughts of steak and french fries are being combated by a determination to feed upon the Bread of Life. We are having no luck ending his fast."

"Then send in some faintness and give him a good strong headache." bellowed the leader, now clearly annoyed. The next report was right on the heels of the last one.

"This is Sector 8. Analysis shows that the Enemy is weak due to strenuous trials and may be ready to throw in the towel. Suggest all out invasion with our strongest arsenal available."

"All right, good job Sector 8," answered the General his features mellowing slightly, "Sector 9, 10, 11, and 12. Begin frontal attack. Send in lots of condemnation. You know, the Lies. Tell him he is a failure as a Christian, remind him of that TV program he watched, and of that sinful thought he had last night. Oh, and bring on some overall feelings of depression as well.

"All of those, Sir?"

"Don't question my authority. Just do it." Dark eyes sparked with crimson centers. There was no patience left in the leader's voice as he spat out the next question,

"Sector 5, how did that disturbing news do?"

"The shield only slipped slightly for a moment, Sir. Before we could send in any fiery darts, he dealt us a blow with the Sword of the Word and the Force Shield went right back into place. If anything, his faith is stronger now."

"Well, try bombarding him with worry, and a good strong dose of self pity." he directed.

"General! General!" The call was urgent. Technicians moved about in frenzied activity. Tension evident on their faces.

"Yes Sectors 9, 10, 11 and 12, what is it?" The Commander, now pacing sharply back and forth across the length of the tower. 

"None of our condemning lies, accusations or depressing thoughts are working. We reminded him of his sins, and he claimed I John 1:9. He keeps quoting 2 Corinthians 10:5...We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. He says there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus...We sent in the accusing thoughts and we've been rebuked in the name of Jesus. Sir, he's singing and praising God..."

Before he could answer another report came bursting through.

"This is sector 5, we are having no success with the worry, fear or self pity. He's praying ...SIR... He's Praying on his knees....'Not my will thine be done...' I'm afraid we may have no choice..."

"Wait," barked the Leader, "We aren't finished yet. There is still Sector 13..."

"Ready and Waiting, sir," came the instant reply.

"Send in the temptations, Sector 13, lustful thoughts, greed, pride, desire for selfish ambition..." a look of utter depravity and glee swept the Commander's features. 

"Will do, sir...heh, heh."

The Commander stood still, his eyes blazing with the heat of the moment. Technicians ceased their activity and silently watched their monitors, waiting for the report. A digital clock on the wall counted the seconds until the sound of Sector 13 abruptly shattered the stillness.

"Sir, It's no use. . ." Panic filled the airwaves as they reported in. "He's already prayed that prayer...the one Jesus told them about in the garden...you know...'Pray that you will not fall into temptation'...we have to retreat sir, we have no choice..." Static filled the air as the sound of Sector 13 began breaking up.

Sirens began to blare. Buzzers began to sound. Monitors began blinking and flashing their warnings: "RETREAT! RETREAT! MISSION ABORTED!!!" 

The atmosphere became a mixture of pandemonium and fear as the technicians scrambled to leave. Many were coughing, choking, sputtering as thick, dark smoke and the strong odor of ashes and brimstone began to permeate the air.

Shaking his head, the Commander prepared to leave. He didn't relish reporting in to Headquarters with this defeat. He turned and glanced one more time out over the Enemy's territory. Already he was planning his next attack. But with a little less fervor, a little less zeal. It was getting harder and harder to win battles with this one. He had discovered the power of God through prayer.

-J Brown
 

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