The Lord gives strength to those who turn the battle at the gate.
Isaiah 28:6
We are giving thanks to God for things we don’t always remember to appreciate …
Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. Psalm 144:1
It’s a little bit difficult to find a person who’s crazy about their job. More likely, most of those we know say their jobs make them crazy!
Not so for us. God has commanded strength and purpose for our lives. Our jobs and vocations matter, and in particular that we know that we are called to fight a good fight, a fight of faith. So long as there is a battle, shall we not rejoice that we are called to the Lord’s side, and give thanks? Shouldn’t we be thankful rather than tentative?
. . . be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10
For me, I realize that I too seldom give thanks to God that I am called to this battle. I do see the need to fight, and I am glad to be a warrior more than a worrier, but when I consider that the alternative is to sink down into the mire of life under “the rulers of this darkness,” when I remember that that is an unacceptable option, I am filled with thanksgiving.
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . .
Without the obedience of Christ, without the truth of the Word of God, without the ability to see and sense the encroaching oppressions of evil in our time, many of us would turn back and grow faint. Taken in that light, we can share a sense of deepest gratitude that our lethargies and innate cowardice have been confronted and overwhelmed by love and courage and hope.
. . . and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:14-17)
Thank You, Father, for calling us to war.
French Marine, Task Force Forrigan, points out a guerrila position (Large operation conducted to deny the enemy safe haven)
public domain, U. S. government officer or employee as part of official duties, taken by U. S. Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens, Wikipedia
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