To Stand Firm
Hey I'm back! There really is no excuse for my not blogging in the last few weeks...I was just being lazy.
I have been studying Ephesians 6 this week...and have been really challenged by what it means to "Stand firm in the Lord". Luke and I often discuss what it means to have faith. I mean...to really have faith: to bask in it, wear, walk in it, impersonate it-to believe in something so strongly that it effects everything one does or says or thinks.
I have a very dear friend who is in the Air Force. She got married two years ago, and has only been able to live with her husband on and off through that time because of military duties. She bore all that with a lot of grace, and now, she will be leaving for Iraq in a few weeks. And of course, she is experiencing all the emotions and fears...the fear of separation from her husband...the fear of damage to her marriage, the fear of never getting to start her own family, the fear that this war she is heading to will change all her dreams. And she still handles it with grace...with faith! She hopes to bring God's love to Iraq...to the soldiers, to the people. She faces her fear with the faith that God will always win in the end...that her life is His tool and she can choose peace rather than anger.
And here I sit in my cozy apartment....in my robe and slippers with a cup of tea. I'm not going anywhere. I don't fear separation from my husband. I do not have to face wicked men who want to kill me and my family and my country. And I am humbled deeply by Katie's faith. Tears are running down my cheeks as I think of Katie at the age of 10...when we first became friends...and how she has become one of the most godly, beautiful women that I know.
So back to Ephesians 6...I want to be a warrior. I want to fight in this invisible battle. I don't want to be the Christian who wastes my life and doesn't fight Satan. Many of you know how I love Lord of the Rings. I grew up on the books and it is a tradition to watch the movies at least once a year. If you are familiar with the story, you'll remember Eowyn: the princess who hides herself in armor and rides out to battle with the men...because she doesn't want to be left behind when the war is won or lost. Well, I know our war (spiritually speaking) will be won. I won't be left behind! I am a fighter...God made me a fighter from the get go...trials only push me to rise to the occasion. I have decided that the best way to strengthen myself right now is to learn God's Word...the Sword of the Spirit. I want to memorize, to meditate upon it, to hide it in my heart.
I want a faith like Katie's, that will stand firm when everything she holds dear is put to the test.
I have been studying Ephesians 6 this week...and have been really challenged by what it means to "Stand firm in the Lord". Luke and I often discuss what it means to have faith. I mean...to really have faith: to bask in it, wear, walk in it, impersonate it-to believe in something so strongly that it effects everything one does or says or thinks.
I have a very dear friend who is in the Air Force. She got married two years ago, and has only been able to live with her husband on and off through that time because of military duties. She bore all that with a lot of grace, and now, she will be leaving for Iraq in a few weeks. And of course, she is experiencing all the emotions and fears...the fear of separation from her husband...the fear of damage to her marriage, the fear of never getting to start her own family, the fear that this war she is heading to will change all her dreams. And she still handles it with grace...with faith! She hopes to bring God's love to Iraq...to the soldiers, to the people. She faces her fear with the faith that God will always win in the end...that her life is His tool and she can choose peace rather than anger.
And here I sit in my cozy apartment....in my robe and slippers with a cup of tea. I'm not going anywhere. I don't fear separation from my husband. I do not have to face wicked men who want to kill me and my family and my country. And I am humbled deeply by Katie's faith. Tears are running down my cheeks as I think of Katie at the age of 10...when we first became friends...and how she has become one of the most godly, beautiful women that I know.
So back to Ephesians 6...I want to be a warrior. I want to fight in this invisible battle. I don't want to be the Christian who wastes my life and doesn't fight Satan. Many of you know how I love Lord of the Rings. I grew up on the books and it is a tradition to watch the movies at least once a year. If you are familiar with the story, you'll remember Eowyn: the princess who hides herself in armor and rides out to battle with the men...because she doesn't want to be left behind when the war is won or lost. Well, I know our war (spiritually speaking) will be won. I won't be left behind! I am a fighter...God made me a fighter from the get go...trials only push me to rise to the occasion. I have decided that the best way to strengthen myself right now is to learn God's Word...the Sword of the Spirit. I want to memorize, to meditate upon it, to hide it in my heart.
I want a faith like Katie's, that will stand firm when everything she holds dear is put to the test.
posted by Elizabeth | 8:30 AM
3 Comments:
I've missed you. I'm glad that your holidays have been well to you. Your friend Katie sounds like an amazing person.
Dear heavenly Father,
WE just ask special care and concern over Katie. WE pray that you will make her a true woman of influence for you.
We ask for your name to be glorified, and that you bring her safely back after her tour of duty.
In Jesus name,
Wow! You are way too kind with your words. Every day is a struggle, but God is definitely the one pulling me through this and leading every step. Thanks for your prayers!
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