After almost fifty years, God’s plan for my life is becoming clear. It’s not about me doing the right thing in the right place at the right time. He wants me to grow into my full potential.
At the dawn of time, while the echo of the creator’s voice could still be heard, and his warm breath hung heavy in the air, the beauty of this world was unrivaled. Pristine gardens, beaches that perfectly joined forests with oceans, and mountaintop views that extended forever – all exactly as he envisioned them.
It is still magnificent. His handiwork is undeniable and gives every creature insight into his nature. But evil crept into paradise. It feeds on our strength to spread its infection.
I walk through a world that is broken, and neighbors in need surround me. They are hungry, sick, and alone. Their eyes are an open window that draws me into their pain and their longing for hope.
Their individual needs are large, and the devastation is widespread. I am compelled to help, but I am only one. I feel small and powerless. In despair, I cry out.
“Who am I?”
God calls me his beloved son. He proclaims that I am heir to his kingdom, that everything he has is mine, and that his spirit and power live in me.
Through him, I can move the mountains his hands carved, heal sickness where he breathed life, and restore hope to a world he spoke into existence. He offers me his full authority.
Yet I hesitate and await his specific instruction at every step. I kneel and ask when it is time to stand and act.
I am not able to wield his full power, but neither am I a child with a wooden sword. The armor of God lies before me. I lift each of the pieces and put them on.
Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, sword of Spirit, shield of faith, and feet ready to carry peace – together they form the full armor.
They fit like a second skin and respond as an extension of my body. Not only are they weightless, but wrapped in them I feel complete. Fear melts away, and I am drawn to the fight.
My neighbors will not suffer alone and without hope. I will not stand by and wait for someone else. The evil must be defeated and its curse lifted.
I am a warrior. It is time to rise up and embrace my destiny.
Hear my prayer, Lord!
Father –
Anoint me as protector of your beloved children, who are my brothers and sisters and the territory of your eternal kingdom. Help me to love them as you do.
Keep me vigilant when demons descend, spreading sickness, pain, addiction, and destruction. Though the clash comes quickly, remove my doubts and hesitation. Give me strength and make my hand swift and sure.
Allow peace to mark my footprints.
Shield my heart from the deceiver, who fills my path with temptation.
Forgive my failures, and encourage me when I pray for answers that do not come. Your grace is sufficient.
May I hunger to do good, seek you in uncertainty, and love fearlessly at all times.
My life is yours.
Amen.
I love your weblog posts man!
When I read this, I see my friends Steve and Ms. Ann standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone at the Salvation Army providing food and shelter to our neighbors; I see the faithful of the First Fruits team who take the fight into local homes, and I see Tom and the Unashamed team who fortify strongholds across the nations. You are warriors!
[…] God calls me his beloved son. He proclaims that I am heir to his kingdom, that everything he has is mine, and that his spirit and power live in me. Through him, I can move the mountains his hands carved, heal sickness where he breathed life, and restore hope to a world he spoke into existence. He offers me his full authority. Yet I hesitate and await his specific instruction at every step. I kneel and ask when it is time to stand and act. I am not able to wield his full power, but neither am I a… Read more »