Out of Sorts

Image courtesy of Heart and Soul

Today, I post out of sorts; it doesn't follow suit.  Its irregularity protrudes when laid aside the norm.

Its difference scares, but is comforted by the recollection of where it began ... nearly a year ago. 

In November last year, after a very difficult month, I began to blog.  The full reason for the venture into blogging can be read in The one at the Beginning, but the significance of today's post - I have copied and pasted below...

'Thirdly ... writing somehow allows me to express myself in a way that makes sense - to me at least!  As someone who finds expression difficult in spoken word - I seem to be able to put my true thoughts and feelings down through pen and paper (keyboard and screen!).  Which - I guess - is ultimately the whole point of attempting this blog.  I hope writing this will allow me to explore and express!  That is for me.'  

So, today, I need to 'explore and express'.  Life is tough.  It has been battle after battle.  I feel like I am losing, and yet, I can't let go.  Sometimes I want to, it would be easier that way.  But it isn't right - I must find the strength and determination and keep going.  I know God has called me to hack away at the overgrown grassland and clear a path for myself (and others) to walk, but the grass cuts the skin, and the work is difficult.  Can I take a rest?  Just a little breather?  Will the grass grow back that quickly if I do?

In all this confusion I am thankful that GOD IS.

That GOD IS my Strength.   

That GOD IS my Guide.

That GOD IS my Comfort.

That GOD IS my Peace.

That GOD IS my Refuge.

And that GOD IS Sovereign and Lord over ALL!


Remembering that GOD IS will keep me going.  Knowing that GOD IS encourages joy amidst the trials.

It is tough, yes, but it never promised to be easy.  BUT ...

GOD IS who I am living for and deep down I am thankful for the privilege and opportunity to do so.

I'm tired but I will push on, run the race, and leave a trail.

The one with the confession

I have a confession to make.

There have been several times in the past when I have turned up to a particular event or activity without wearing the correct equipment or clothing.

You may think, big deal, hasn't this happened to us all once or twice in the past?  Yes, I am sure this is the case.

My son, for example, encountered his first detention at senior school after turning up to his P.E. lesson without his trainers. (Personally, I think the fact that he was then made to wear pink trainers throughout the duration of his lesson, was punishment enough, without having to administer a detention as well!).

I can also remember an uncomfortable atmosphere during my time at Moorlands Bible College, when several students arrived at a particular lecture without their Bible.  Thank goodness for the Bible App on my iphone! Phew!

Unfortunately, our memory sometimes lets us down, and we forget things.  Fact.

So, why the confession at the beginning of this blog?

I neglected to mention an important detail;  I actually 'forgot' on purpose!

Yes, in the past I have attended sporting events without my trainers.  I have arrived at a Karate lesson without my belt.   I can even recall turning up to my trumpet lesson without my trumpet! 

Although this 'forgetting on purpose' wasn't a regular event in my life, it did happen.  If I really felt that participating in an activity or event would result in failure, discomfort or embarrassment, then I would weigh this up against the consequence of not having the correct gear with me.

Of course, this was all in the past.  No longer would I turn up to something with the excuse of a forgotten item.  Or so I thought, until recently.

You see, I have realised that there have been times, when I have turned up to a battle without the correct gear on.  I turn up, look keen, but cannot go out to fight due to my incomplete armour.  Maybe I can make tea for the soldiers instead?  Much easier and safer.

But - the Bible tell us to:

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

We are told to put on the FULL armour of God.  Not some of it.  Not most of it.  But all of it.  As Christians, we have a battle to take part in.  God provides everything we need to go out into battle, but I wonder if, like me, there have been times you have 'forgotten' to put on your Belt of Truth, or misplaced your Shield of Faith, in order to prevent you having to go out and fight?

We might feel too tired, too afraid, or too weak to go into battle.  That is just it!  We are!  That is why God has provided the armour for us.  He wants us to fight.  He is with us.  He knows we can do it. - and not only survive - but win!


Let's open our kit bag, check it's complete, and put it ALL on.  God will not let us fail.

Are you ready to fight against the strategies of the devil?

Charge!!