If you are facing some kind of obstacle in your life right now, raise your hand. Life is a continual battle. We are constantly facing challenges and struggles. Navigating difficulties requires effort and resilience. We grow weary and exhausted. We feel stressed and overwhelmed.
The battle is big for a reason. God desires to show Himself strong on our behalf.
In June of 2011 I was facing a battle. Having started chemotherapy treatments for stage 3, grade 3 ovarian cancer, one of the inevitable side effects was beginning to manifest itself. The Lord was calling me to another surrender, and this time it would be visible, unlike some of the other heart surrenders He had already asked of me.
As much as I had tried to prepare myself for this relinquishment, I was not ready. Running my hands over my head and finding my fists filled with my crowning glory, I knew it was time. The following day I would offer another sacrifice to the Lord...my hair. At 10:00am I would sit in a chair and a transformation would take place. It was a very tough letting go. Although I had tried to prepare myself by getting my hair cut short weeks prior, and being pro-active in purchasing a wig, my tears indicated that I was still not ready to face this consequence of chemo head on. The time had come too soon.
It was then that I received an email from my Lead Pastor, Dr. Rev. Rick Baker. To be honest, I do not think I had ever noticed Psalm 140:7 before. Pastor Rick encouraged me that the Lord would be my covering. God would cover my head in the day of battle. Outwardly my appearance would change. No longer would auburn locks grace my head. It would become obvious, with a simple glance my way, the battle I was fighting, but I was not fighting alone.
I remember praying that more than the visual difference, observers would be drawn to a more startling makeover. A heart growing stronger. A confidence in my Saviour. A peace that passes understanding. A surrender to His will. A trust in the unknown. An intentional choice to love the Lord and keep holding His hand as I walked this path He had chosen for me. God promises to cover our heads in the day of battle.
This is the "alive and active" work of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). It is also why we can never stop turning to this treasure. We hold an incredible resource in our hands when we open His Word. It is not just a book, but it holds the answers, guidance, wisdom and truth that we need to walk us through each day of life. Its well-worn pages tell the story of a child of God who continually seeks to know Him and finds direction for daily living. As our Young Adults Pastor has written, "A life immersed in Scripture is a life well-lived." (Pastor Nick)
As our battles rage on, God is not finished. Not being sufficient in ourselves, we need to pray for God's strength to sustain us. As we take our places on the front lines, the power of darkness and spiritual forces of evil are wielding weapons against us, but they cannot stand against the Lord. He is the strength of our salvation, the Sovereign LORD, the strong One who rescues us and protects us on the day of battle. Know with confidence today that He is covering you by His mercy.
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