Being surrounded by the beauty of God's creation reminds me to be still. Some prefer the crashing of waves and the warm, sandy beaches; I have always been drawn to the mountains, to the West. My time in Wyoming has been much needed--physical rest for my weary body, peace for my wondering mind, and refreshment for my thirsty soul. It's amazing how minute my problems seem when I'm looking up at majestic mountains that my Creator made without breaking a sweat. No mountain is too big for Me or too much for Me to handle, my love. That still small voice whispers truth so deeply that it pierces my very soul. He reminds me of His promise that with faith I can command my mountain (of fear, doubt, loneliness) to be cast into the sea and not only hope, but expect that it will be done (Mark 11:23). Unfortunately, but really fortunately, His timing is not my own...These past few months have been a bit overwhelming...I've heard the voice of my loving Abba loud and clear, directing me in ways I never expected, and revealing bits of the future that He has in store for me. It is in this season in which I might normally despair that I find myself clinging to the cross and running to Him with reckless abandonment. He is using uncomfortable grains of sand, (being discontent with my job, harsh words spoken over me, bearing a calling that I can do nothing about except wait for His perfect timing), to polish me and develop me into His perfect pearl, a pearl fit for the King. Sometimes, when I let my flesh woman analyze, I find myself doubting. Are you sure, Lord? Did I hear you correctly? I just don't see how this is possible. It's not possible for you, dear one. All things are possible through Me. I am your strength and your shield. You are the apple of My eye. I have given you these desires, impossible as they may seem to you. Lean on me. Trust in me. Keep your eyes on Me, for I am the Light that guides your steps.
He has created us all for a very specific purpose, in fact, our purpose is so specific that no one can take the place of another. I've known for quite some time that the Lord is preparing me for something HUGE, something that I can't even fathom. And, it's in the times that I begin to compare myself to others that I'm reminded of Jeremiah 29:11. He knows the very specific plans for my life, and He has promised me hope in that future. He also, often not so gently, reminds me of my prayer to live an extraordinary life. How can I compare when I'm expecting something completely extraordinary, specially engineered and crafted just for me?
So, as my character is being developed and the attacks come from every angle, or so it seems, I will cover myself with the protective armor of the Lord. Wearing the helmet of salvation I will not only protect my mind from the lies of the enemy, but I will control my own destructive thoughts. I will protect my heart and soul with the breastplate of righteousness; not my own, mind you, but with the the blood of Jesus that was shed so that I may walk blameless in the sight of the Lord. I will wear the belt of Truth--a seemingly small piece, but the very component that holds all the other pieces together. With the sword of the Spirit I will pierce the enemy with the infallible Word. My shield of faith will protect me from the fiery darts that are shot my way--unworthiness, guilt, shame. And, as I go into unknown territories, I will prepare my feet with the gospel, always ready to give an account for my hope, joy, peace, love. I will seek wisdom from fellow believers. And, above all else I will remember to pray continually so that I may know the perfect will of the Lord.
"And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing His will." ~Hebrews 13:20-21
Blessings!
