| I was 16 when I learned the meaning
of the word.
Shy and awkward, I was the stay-at-home type. I never had
been asked out on a date and never was kissed. My (non)social life
consisted of hanging out at the library: reading and writing. At school,
I talked to no one, and no one bothered me.
Especially boys.
Innocent and unsuspecting, I had never even heard of the word "rape."
But just recently, I had read about it in the Bible. As a new believer,
I was reading the Scriptures daily.
But I never realized how soon I would learn, firsthand, just how
very important the Word of God would become in my life.
One Sunday, as I set out on the two-hour, eight-mile trek to the evening
service (I did not yet have my driver's license), I didn't have a care in
the world. Jesus was my Savior, the sun was shining, and I was rejoicing
in my salvation.
As I passed a heavily wooded
area, an uneasy feeling came over my spirit. A growling sound, like a wild
dog, was approaching from behind. As I walked, it grew closer and closer,
louder and louder. Fear gripped my mind. I could hardly bring
myself to turn and look. I sensed the presence of something evil, as
though I was going to be attacked.
I did finally turn, really expecting to see a wild dog -- possessed
by evil spirits, perhaps, as the swine into which Jesus sent the demons in
the gospel story.[1]
I had read in the Bible how Jesus gave the disciples authority over evil
spirits.[2] I remembered reading how
demons manifested themselves[3], and how the
disciples responded, with a word of authority, commanding them to
leave.[4]
So when this animal of a man, crouched low to the ground --with plaid
shirt as red as his eyes, and hair as wild as his behavior -- grabbed me,
knocked me to the ground, threw my Bible across the grass, and began ripping
off my clothes, I knew the force behind his actions was more than that
of a man. It was an attack of the enemy, Satan.
I knew I had to do something, and I had to act now.
Suddenly, a boldness and surge of faith rose up within me.
"In the name of Jesus, leave me alone!" I shouted, in an authority
that surprised even me.
I never saw a man run so fast! Across the grass, and into the woods, he fled.
I wrapped my torn clothes around me and walked the half-mile back home, to
change.
Oh, the power in the name of Jesus[5], when
we believe, and act on our faith!
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and
is safe!" (Proverbs 18:10)
.
© 1998 Diane S. Dew All Rights Reserved |
