locking arms

love this quote from beth moore:

some of us with little previous battle experience have no idea why God is allowing us to go through such difficult times in a place we thought was His will. He’s trying to make warriors out of us, girlfriend!  rise to the occasion!  but we aren’t meant to fight unseen forces alone. you and i have the God-given right to lock arms with our sisters and brothers in Christ and defend ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit and the Shield of Faith. . .when we do, we are guaranteed victory.

i am in the battle. and i have very little previous experience.

i'm beginning to see, though, that He is allowing injury so one day i can boast in my battle scars.  for His glory.  He is shaping me, very carefully. with delicate care. and time. He is taking His time with me.  paying close attention to detail. 

details that i would have rushed by in my haste to regain what i lost. what i think i need.

but He's transforming me. by renewing my mind. 

thankfully, i am not fighting these forces alone. . . i am surrounded.

surrounded by you. encouraged by you.   

and on the days when i don’t believe, you do. when i run out of strength, you hoist me up on your shoulders and carry me. when my spirit is low, you sustain me with your prayers. when i want to stop believing, you remind me of His faithfulness.

your encouraging words. your prayers. wiping the teardrops from my eyes. an extra tight hug.   

we are locking arms.

we will survive.  we are guaranteed victory.  He told me so.