Battles. We all have them. A fear that keeps resurfacing or a shame that won’t let go are common themes. But the recent death of Chadwick Bozeman brought both tragedy and triumph to light.

The 43-year old actor’s battle with colon cancer was hidden from public view. And yet, his legacy continues to speak. By embodying iconic roles, such as Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall, Bozeman cemented his status as a star on the silver screen. But it was his performance as King T’Challa, who morphed into the superhero Black Panther, that etched Bozeman into moviegoers’ hearts.

Now fans are left wondering how he achieved major career accomplishments while facing a fatal prognosis. Bozeman’s journey reminds me of the challenges of walking by faith. There is the continuous call to contribute to a solution instead of being consumed by a problem.

Through faith, we can discover more of our God-given potential, even as we seek to recover from our most recent crisis. (see 2 Corinthians 4:6-8)

Ultimately, as we seek treatment for whatever sin or situation ails us, we can rest in the work of Christ’s redemption for us. (see Hebrews 4:14-16)

But celebrities are not the only ones who want to keep the details of their lives private. When the walls of life are closing in, privacy creates space for anyone wanting to sort through their options while avoiding public opinion.

When you have an inner conflict do you keep it in isolation? If so, where do you hide your battles?

At times, I’ve tucked mine under the weight of self-pity or shoved them into depression. I’ve placed them beneath impulse buys or force fed them chocolate. But none of these represent true refuge. Instead of protecting me in my struggles, they only create more complications.

Scripture gives us wartime instructions. Draw strength from God. Use His word as our sword and faith as our shield. (see Ephesians 6:10-18)

But if fear is on our heels or hurt is in our heart, it also helps to have a battle-ready team. Confidantes, prayer partners and godly counsel is key to my well-being when I face a painful truth. Hence, Chadwick Bozeman may not have told everyone about his battle with colon cancer, but he chose to tell someone. His condition was known to the medical professionals involved in his care. Perhaps his family, friends or his faith became his fortress of solitude.

And yet, our fortress is meant to be more than a place. Through faith in Christ, it is also a Person.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” (Psalms 91:1‭-‬2 NKJV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The secret place in God is the safest place for me.

In the heat of the battle, His shadow gives me shade. With Him as my Refuge and my Fortress, I am safe from the enemy’s pursuit. The walls of His will fortifies my life. And as I trust Him, I win the battle through Him.

I didn’t know Chadwick Bozeman. But perhaps the strength behind his acting came from a strength beyond his own. No matter what we face, dwelling in God as our secret place is really no secret at all. In Christ, we have a Redeemer and Refuge. By His grace, in the midst of our battles, we can also accomplish much.