Stronghold

According to Scottish historians the Eilean Donan Castle was built in the reign of Alexander II to protect the area of Kintail from the Vikings who were relentlessly attacking the area. Since then it was given to the Clan Mackenzie as a thank you from Robert the Bruce for their help in the Battle of Bannockburn. They in turn gave the castle to the MacRaes who became constables of the castles, keeping law and order in the area. The Castle is located in the Scottish Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle was used in the film 'Highlander' it was from here that the MacLeods were seen to march out to their first battle. It was also the Northern base of the Secret Service in 'The World is Not Enough'.
In 1719 it was garrisoned by Spaniards and was such a stronghold that when bombarded by English warships the castle was surrendered simply because the soldiers inside couldn't take it anymore. (Prior to that it had once been defended by only three people from its attackers.) The English then blew up the castle using gunpowder reducing it to ruins.

Reading the history of this castle stirs something in my heart. I think of so many times when I have felt bombarded by circumstances and/or life in general. How many times have I wanted to surrender and give up to the onslaught of the enemy of my soul simply because I am tired of being bombarded? How close am I, at those times, to victory? Can I not allow this castle to remind me that I am safe in the Hands of God, a much stronger hold, and if I can just rest and wait on Him for help, I will be delivered. I don't think I realize how strong my Castle is.

Hang in there.

As you may have guessed by the photo, the castle was rebuilt. In 1912 when Lt.-Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap decided it was time to restore the family fortress. He was helped by Farquhar MacRae who after seeking God for help, had a dream which told him exactly what the original structure had looked like. This was later confirmed by old plans kept in Edinburgh Castle. The rebuilt castle was completed in 1932. (see http://www.scotland- inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/EDC/edc-history.htm)