I've never fought in a war battle, but I've seen the men who have returned home with wounds from the battlefield. Some have lost their arms and legs, and some have even given their lives for the cause.
Well, as Christians we too are in a battle for the souls of people. Even though we may not receive physical wounds from the war that is raging, we will definitely get wounded from the fight.
I can't help it, but I have to be transparent in this blog. The cause is too important for me to appear too self-righteous as to not communicate my gut-level emotions of the spiritual battle that we are all involved in. Over the past 3 years, the pain and wounds from the numerous spiritual battles have felt greater than I can bear as I have watched friends turn away from Jesus; as I have buried friends; and as I have watched others that I thought were my partners in ministry run away. And then there are the scars from my own teammates who have wounded me with their words and schemes instead of fighting against our arch-enemy, Satan.
On days, like today, I confess my weariness. I cry out to God to take me away and let me quit. I'm too tired to go on. Can God really use me any more as a weary and wounded warrior? The pain from people drives me to contemplate the unthinkable.
I long for God's presence. I desire His peace.
And then I read His words from 2 Thessalonians 3:16, "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in everyway. The Lord be with you all."
Thank you Lord for your peace and presence even in the midst of earthly battles. Thank you that by your wounds I can be healed and that my wounds are nothing compared to yours.
