Thinking about war is not a topic that we would like to dwell on. War seems to happen to other countries and people we do not know. We never think that war can happen right here in our own country, our city, our community, our own family, and ourselves. To win the battle of the world, we must win the battle within ourselves. Many conflicts arise in this world, but none of us will ever have the courage to enter into any of them. Each of us faces the decision to accept the invitation into battle, decline it, or pass it to someone else. Instead of taking it and fight for what matters, we sheepishly bathe in the glory of the brave soldiers that brazenly said yes and engaged in the battle. For those of us that hide our face from the draft, we live the victory vicariously through these soldiers. We simply pat the soldiers on the back after the battle and say, good job and think we have contributed to the war.
What makes one person say “yes” to an invitation of suffering and dying? The answer lies in the concept of the “natural order” (BFG: 36 Natural Order) of things. Men/women who take courage to step outside of themselves, beyond their own needs, wants, and desires of what constitutes a better life, know that to receive courage and strength, one must give courage and strength. Also, at the same time, one must accept its weaknesses and limitations. Having the wisdom to implement the natural order of things lets us see truth, beauty, and goodness in everything, no matter how much suffering may be involved. It enables us to fight the battle on our knees with our hands lifted high.
Bridging the Gap: Speaking a universal language
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he writes about boasting one’s weakness versus boasting one’s strength. When we are no longer afraid to admit our weaknesses, we will then find the strength to overcome them and will find contentment even when things get difficult.
Meditate
Weakness & Strength
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Living every day requires tough decisions and choices to be made. Reset your compass daily to reposition yourself to be in God’s grace, so you can discern the road blocks and signs that will guide you on your path. Phil Whickham’s “The Battle Belongs” gives us some help in calibrating our compass and position it in the direction of God’s salvation.
In contemplating our direction in how we think, what we say, and what actions we take every minute, every hour, and every day, we need to go deeper in our prayer life.
As you watch and listen to Phil’s lyrics, imagine your battles being defeated, one by one as you give the battle over to God. Use your imagination to see yourself in the battle with Jesus standing alongside you.
Prayers
May you be granted the graces to think, say, and do God’s wil. By knowing yourself, you will know Him and find peace and joy in everything you do, in order to set your captive soul free from habits that are leading you astray.
Amen
To remember what we learned, we must always write it, share it and teach it to someone else so it becomes concrete in us.
Journal Tips: Take 15-30 minutes of quiet time this week to look inside your heart at what weaknesses are showing up as roadblocks in your life at this time. Write it down, name it and see what signs were on the path that alerted you to either, stop, slow down or go. Once you have claimed it and name it, use the natural order law and find strength in that weakness.
Northernstar Journal
YOU become what you were meant to become and can do the impossible, because impossible is really saying "I'M POSSIBLE"