She can do this!
The victory is already hers.
Her shield of self-sufficiency is held high
ready to guard against any thing or any person that threatens
the completion of HER agenda.
She sets her heart upon the things she sees,
the things she can accomplish.
Her creative crafts satisfy those fleshly lusts for control.
With white-knuckled fists she holds close
the breastplate of pride.
She hungers and thirsts for MORE.
Clothed in her apron of talent,
she competes for first place.
But even when the prizes are awarded the opponent still stands
and first place is never good enough!
Because around her waist is girded untruth.
Entangling her mind are the lies she believes about herself.
She has heard it all before.
God loves her; He has a plan for her.
But "work hard", "get ahead" "be the best"
are the (un)truths she holds too.
So every morning she wakes up and puts on the helmet of denial,
denial that she is worthy.
Her value is loosely knit together by all things pretty.
Pretty bows, healthy lunches, clean floors and made beds
make her feel complete.
Until the end of the day when she is desperate for rest
but the shoes of self-pity stick like the super glue
of trying to be super-woman!
She wants nothing more than acceptance and love
but her striving through her to-do list
are actually like stacking one brick on top of another.
Eventually her walls are built high.
She stands guard at the door with her sword of withdrawal held tight
ready to strike those who love and accept her most.
But eventually, under the weight of her armor she collapses.
Her sword of withdrawal pierced her own soul and she bleeds for a Savior.
Her shoes of self-pity have ran her ragged and she longs for true rest.
Underneath her helmet of denial runs guilt like a poison through her brain.
The untruths girded around her waist have held her captive behind the bars of perfection.
Her breastplate of pride crushes her heart leaving her unable to truly give or receive.
Her shield of self-sufficiency crumbles at her feet, and on her knees she tries to put the pieces back together.
With knees bent and hands full of brokenness she drops the pieces as the author of her faith begins to write new story.
Taking her hands in His, He helps her stand up straight and offers a cup of living water,
His righteousness refreshing her from within.
His truths unlock her prison gates and sets free the lies that have held her captive for too long.
And hope he places upon her mind as the faith of salvation grows within her heart.
Now ready to walk in the confidence of Christ, He fits her feet with reconciliation,
reconciling His gift of peace in her strivings.
Finally, He offers Himself, a living sacrifice especially for her.
The One who always was, who always will be lays down His life to be
her Protector, her Helper, and her Sword
against the enemy of her mind, her body, and her spirit.
Have you ever had one of these days, weeks, seasons?
I think we all have. Let's remember to dress appropriately for our days:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—"
Ephesians 6:11-18
Blessings,
Rachael