Just Stand

A student called me today, right in the midst of every fiber of my world unraveling.  "Tara, your cookie dough has arrived."  Oh yeah, that was 2 tubs of cookie dough at $30.00 that I order eons ago.  And now, on Day 4 of my 100 day journey, it's here?  Of course.  Breathe deep, look up, and find courage.  Of all days, it would arrive today.  No small irony or test I'm sure.

What do you do when darkness invades and light seems to fade?  Stand.  When the oceans roar and the waves rage against what you've worked so hard to build?  Stand.  When hope seems to fade more quickly than the one thing you've been praying for and praying for?  Stand.  There's a verse that talks about this,  ^"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."  (Ephesians 6:13)

Stand firm, keep standing, stand together.  Some days you have to reach out to the ones around you and link arms, drawing strength from one another and looking to Jesus for all things, yes ALL things.  Could this really be possible, will the storm really pass?  Is God big enough to stitch my unraveling and gracious enough to mend what I've ripped apart?

Putting on my helmet, I remember that I am saved, saved from eternal damnation in hell, saved from my own suffocating self-righteousness, saved from myself.  Fully saved.  I strap on my breastplate of righteousness for it is Christ and His precious blood that He spilled so graciously out that makes me righteous, like a new wool sweater so pure He covers me.  The sword of the Spirit, perhaps covered with dust but never losing it's sharp edge, I am once again reminded of my need for more of the Word; what few verses I actually know seem to be on repeat and it's not enough.  Buckling my belt I am fastened by the truth, fastened by the fact that God is big enough and is is He that arms me with strenght and brings down my enemies before me.  My shield of faith, I love it.  I love to watch it grow, I believe in a God who is greater even when my arms are weary.  And my feet, they've covered.  Covered with gospel of peace, which means every place I step I bring the peace of the gospel.

What do you do when you've done all you know to do?  Just stand.  Grace and peace.