By: JANA GREENE
If no weapon formed against me shall prosper, I could only infer that includes the woes of today, the drumbeats of war, lives lost needlessly – this is no time to lose our faith. We are on a literal assignment from God, like the Blues Brothers.
As Elwood said, “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses. We’re on a mission from God!”
(Translation: It’s in fact miles from where we belong, but God has provisioned us, and given us hope, especially in the dark.)
Same brothers.
Almighty God,
Where I am bent on warring with myself, help me to remember that you are not the one calling the battle cry, and working all things for the good.
Help me stop consuming so much doom, because doom is never from you.
When the sword of truth is forged, let me remember not to use it as an implement of pain; but instead, use it to protect my peace.
When I want to throw self-righteous stones at wrongdoers, remind me that I live in a glass house myself.
When I turn the pistol of shame against myself, remind me that you have emptied the weaponās chambers, and filled the chambers ofĀ my heartĀ with your love.
When life cuts like a thousand knives, you are not the one holding the hilt, nor did you forge the iron. Thank you for being a soft place to recover.
You do not authorize pain, but your love is our medicine, no matter the ailment.
As we bear witness to all kinds of desolation, bigotry, and hatred, let us not lose the hope.
Sometimes, that’s all you knew on this earth, Jesus – despair!
Lord, we war against our own minds, stunting; tormenting and choking our spirits. Let us show ourselves grace.
Because believing the worst things about ourselves is not the humbleness you had in mind, but a misguided martyrdom to feel holy.
āWoe is me, Iām such a screwed-up human. Who shall save me from ME?ā
But you say, āNo woefulness required. Youāre such aĀ well-lovedĀ human. Lay down your weapons; love is a much better tactic. Itās time you realize your identity, oh anxious one. Go tell the others too.ā
GO TELL THE OTHERS! That is your gospel.
We are taught our minds are evil above all else, but that is a remnant of the old covenant, not a sentiment from you – as I understand you are love.
God, it’s rough here in the world that you so loved. WhyĀ wouldnātĀ we arm ourselves or protect our own value with harsh words, heavy-handed self-righteousness, and āheavenlyā battle preparedness?
Themās fightingā words!
But I myself have had enough war.
Iāve learned that your armor is soft and comfortable, a suit of protection, a covering of pure love.
It is not only worn, but woven into our very souls. Itās part of us.
It fits like peace and is tailored for truth. It isnāt heavy or uncomfortable; unwieldy or confining, but fits like a glove.
There may be chinks in our armor, but thatās okay.
Iām enough, chinks in my armor and all.
For such a time as this, here and now, we are on a mission from you, Lord. To spread the gospel of love, even in times of war.
Amen.
Words by Jana Greene 
Beloved Jana!! This is absolutely beautiful and such a revealing of what the armor of God truly is and what it isnāt. Seeing its divine and holy symbolism – this armor/ covering which is enveloping us in his perfect healing love inside and out. It is where we begin to see others through spiritual eyes which have been healed by love and can see the need for mercy not only for us but more importantly for others. This understanding where instead of us wielding a sword against foes we carry bandages and balms for those fellow wounded souls who need us to pour in the oil and the wine that heal hearts and minds. We who are healed become His healers and We who are SO loved become His lovers in this world. As he isā¦ so are we.
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