An Abandoned Forest

   Yesterday I went for a walk through a wood near where I live; back when we had a dog we would regularly take her along the wood track, and she would be running to and fro with her ball, panting and dribling all over our legs!

   But as we clambered around the wooden gate blocking the cart track, and started forward up the hill we soon realised that the woods of 5 years ago were no longer the woods of the now. The track was overgrown and much thinner than before, thistles and nettles encompased us on either side, and the centre of the track was bursting with grass and weeds. The further we went, deeper and deeper into the wood, the worse it became. Side tracks and pathways were totally non-negotiable, hardly distinguishable from the surrounding forest in fact. The remains of long dead trees, and rotting vegetation covered any clearings. This wood had been abandoned by the Forestry Commision long ago.

   But jump back 70 years to the height of the war time Britain and this very wood was a special ammunition dump, a vital cog in the defences of East Anglia. A railway line lead deep into the forest, complete with concealed sheds and shelters. While the war was fought this place was being maintained and was serving a valuable purpose.

   Now, in August 2010, it is not. Weeds and thistles envelop the old train line, the pathways are akin to wild jungle, and even the more modern irrigation systems are dry and barren. Places where Josie used to jump and splash and play are now cracked and empty, more weeds springing up from the ground.

   We reach the far end, and exit the woods, walking along a path that follows outside the trees. From here the forest looks grand and strong, the tall oaks appear sure and steadfast, various nuts and berries hang from the trees and bushes. A kestrel swings through the air with ease, finally resting upon on of the oaks. From our position outside of the woods it looks proud, every bit as important as it was 70 years ago.

   Maybe you can see where this is going? As we trudged back towards the start of our walk my mind wandered to the spiritual application of the natural degeneration of my surroundings.

   In the height of spiritual warfare, when it feels like Satan is throwing all he has straight at us, we turn to God in repentance and seeking His mercy, He builds us up strong and fits us for the battle. But when a moment of rest comes along, or when the battle seems won, then we weaken our defences. The world creeps in- albeit slowly, like those weeds and thistles: 5 years ago we would never have thought that those pathways and tracks could become so overgrown and wild! Oh yes, the world and Satan are prepared to wait, to bide their time. But sure enough the weeds of the world take effect, and days, months or even years down the line the ability to wage war is neutralised.

   But as I noticed earlier, from the outside of the forest it appeared to be fruitful and proud. How similar the Christian can be, while inside Satan tempts him to doubt his very salvation. Be wary of appearances. Christ was.

   It is not too late for Chicksand's Wood. Left as it is, it can do nothing for itself and will creep further and further into disrepair and will be overgrown entirely. But if the Forestry Commision moves in and takes drastic action: removing the dead vegetation, showing no kindness to the weeds and thistles, restoring pathways and tracks, then there is still hope for my wood. Thanks be to God that the same can be said for the believer, may the Holy Spirit work in us, through Christ, and bring us back to the fold!




The Christian's Armour is in such disrepair..... a few months back I found some old notes and copied them in on a blog, unfortunately I cannot find said blog, but here is the substance of it, as I feel it is relevent:



"I've been re-reading some of my old notes and found a despairing "audit" I made of the Christian's weaponary...

'The belt of truth is hanging about the knees; the shoes of the gospel of peace are, indeed, falling to pieces; the breastplate of righteousness was left out in the rain and is rusty; the shield of ...faith is bent and full of holes; the helmet of salvation is intact, but worn at a jaunty angle; and as for the sword of the Spirit- well, that is stuk fast in the sheath. "All prayer" and supplication are on the agenda, but not today....maybe tommorow.'
How have we ever let God's Armour fall into such disrepair? How have I ever let God's Armour fall into such disrepair?"