It began as a silent battle.  I didn’t know I was being invaded by the dark side – the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete.  These are the corkscrew shaped bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  I’ve learned a lot about Lyme these past few weeks. For instance, I didn’t know it could target certain areas of the body – like a heart. With their spiral twirls, they often strangle nerves and wreak havoc on our health. And in a twisted sort of way I’m very grateful for the miserable procedure I had about six weeks ago. After my catheter ablation these guys got angry.  Without this, these mean little spirochetes may have kept on gathering allies….silently setting the stage for a full out war. I had no idea who these guys were and that they were hiding out.  But now I know – and the battle is on! 

My cardiologist and primary care physician both informed me that the Lyme treatment which causes the bacteria to die might cause my heart and body to feel a “little funky” for a while during the initial “die off”. (Not sure that was the exact medical terminology used, but it’s what I remember.)   I stored that information away and this week began a long course of antibiotics, which will increase in dosage over time.  Whew….the natural frozen yogurt store opened in my town in just the knick of time – I obviously need those live yogurt cultures with probiotics regularly to balance the antibiotics, right?

Sure enough, since beginning the course of antibiotics I am awakened each morning about 3am by flutters, and a sense of something going on inside.  It feels sort of like something is attacking something. (more medical jargon).  This actually encourages me, as it tells me that the bad guys are going down.

I feel very thankful; if I had continued without knowledge of the presence of these bad guys they would have done more and more damage.  Now I know – and with proper armor can take them down!

I think of the spiritual war that goes on in our hearts day after day, often unseen.  If I remain unaware of the spiritual battle I will be defenseless as the forces of evil hold me captive.  However, from God’s Word I learn His plan for my life and how to experience the power to change and live a life that is complete and fulfilled – and pleasing to Him. I can be armed…and take the dark side down.  At times I can feel the strains of battle, but I know who ultimately wins!

Ephes. 6:10-18

    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.