So I don’t know about you, but I love how God works.
Starting form the beginning….
Since coming home from training camp and getting back into working and checking things that need to be done off a list, I’ve just felt very off. I don’t exactly know how to describe it… well actually I do, I think I just feel stupid writing it, because I know its not true.
I’ve felt very disconnected from my squad, like I believe lies that I’m sure aren’t true. There are so many lies that the enemy is weaving into my thought life, and half the time I believe them. Lies about how I didn’t clique as well, or I didn’t make as deep of connections with people there. Lies about how I’m tolerated, not loved by them. Lies about needing to create an “image” through the various modes of communication we have, or even having to “prove” something to them at all. Also lies that I was working through at training camp, that I thought were improving, have continued to bombard my mind.
“You’re ridiculous. The Holy Spirit won’t speak to you. Why are you even trying? God doesn’t want a relationship like that. Stop trying to listen, nothing is being said.”
IT’S NOT TRUE. Cognitively I know that, and I cling to it. I’ve experienced the truths to these lies for myself. But emotionally and spiritually it is a completely different battle.
Guys, spiritual warfare is real. I know it has been previously in my life and I know it will continue to be. It is so easy for any point of weakness that has not been given to the Father to be used against us. Even if we have surrendered it, we often take it back and refuse to let God kick the enemy out of our heads.
So here is where my BIG God is super awesome in a little way. God knew exactly what my heart needed to start combating some of these lies, and get ready for the year to come.
STORY MODE:
So here I am in the lovely Ridgedale mall. My sisters are eagerly awaiting the new school year and have requested some back to school shopping as the time of year permits. HALLELUJAH I’m done with school, praise Jesus. I have no desire to go, but when my mother mentions we can all go to Leeann Chins… my father and I decide it may be worth the trip. We make a plan, and my dad and I drive separately so we can ditch as soon as we are done having a family meal in the middle of the food court. I eat my chicken with chopsticks (considerably better than I have in the past… thanks Conner) and we are so close to finishing and being out the door when my father, also my ride, decides he desperately needs to retrieve some expertise within the depths of the mall. *eye roll* I should have expected this.
We quickly head off to an unnamed store (required for confidentiality purposes) where we are rapidly greeted and brought in as my dad explains what he needs. I’m putzing around the perimeter of the store looking and touching all the things, when I almost run into this woman. She has on the company shirt with her hair pulled back. Tall and lean, she is wearing glasses and holding a piece of tech in her hand. She is an employee, and instead of asking me if I need anything she looks at me with wide eyes and a great big smile and asks.
“Is that a World Race shirt!?” Honestly I’m shocked. I am wearing our squad T-shirt. This is NOT obviously a world race shirt people. It says MISTY MOUNTAINS across it and in little tiny letters worldrace2016 across the bottom.
“yeah…” It takes me a second to register what had just been asked.
“YEAH! Its my squad’s shirt!” I say far more enthusiastically, as soon as I understand what is happening.
We practically squeal like long lost sisters… well at least I did… on the inside. We soon got into details, that she had done the race in 2014 and I was about to leave. She encouraged me, and affirmed me in our brief conversation and I left feeling elated.
Briefly after our conversation, I found her on Facebook. And by briefly, I mean 30 seconds after I left the store I had gotten from her WR blog, to her personal blog, to her FB page. I messaged her and we set up a time to get together and talk.
Guys, this is why God is so cool. He knew I needed this. It seems so small, but the opportunity to truthfully talk about my fears, my nerves, and my experiences at training camp with someone just understanding was a gift. She told her stories, answered questions, and squashed wives tales.
We parted ways with a selfie, words of encouragement, and an I love you. From that dinner I walked away knowing I have someone stateside that will 100% understand what I’m going through should I ever need to reach out… which I am SURE I will. I walked away feeling encouraged, enthusiastic, confidant, and like the lies had lessened. It was a simple thing my heart was craving.
By no means am I done combating the lies. The enemy will never rest. Even as I sit here typing this there are things I’ve considered rewording or even leaving out based on how lies are being thrown my way.
The waiting period between training camp and launch is slowly shortening, and I am so excited to start journeying with these people. Together we are stronger, and together with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us we will combat the lies Satan is throwing our direction.
As we continue to recognize spiritual warfare, the easier it will be to combat it. The better we will understand the way the enemy uses parts of our lives to restrict us from having true freedom in Christ. But we need to remember that we are children of God, adopted into his kingdom co-heirs with Christ. God knows us, we are his, He is going to protect us. As a squad mate of mine said today over message, WE HAVE ALREADY WON. Death has been defeated by Christ, who died and rose again. God is, has been, and will continue to fight for us. Christ is in us and beside us, and we are victors in Christ. (thanks Kara).
Below is a piece of artwork I did about a year and a half ago, focusing on spiritual warfare. I thought I would share it. The path to follow Christ is hard and painful, but always worth the fight.
