Cast down, but not destroyed... 
(2 Corinthians 4:8)

     Located on Mystic Street in Arlington, Massachusetts, near the corner of Chestnut Street, stands a marker honoring one of colonial America's Revolutionary War heroes. Its inscription reads, "Near this spot Samuel Whittemore, then 80 years old, killed three British soldiers on April 19, 1775. He was shot, bayoneted, beaten and left for dead, but recovered and lived to be 98 years old." Although the British had Sam down, he wasn't out. When aid arrived, they found him trying to reload his musket to fight again.
     Like old Sam, let us be just as persistent in our fight against the powers of darkness (Eph 6:12). Though we may be cast down at times, let us continue to "fight the good fight of faith" (1Tim 6:12) and "endure hardness (afflictions), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2Ti 2:3). For "the Lord... shall lift you up" (Jam 4:10).