The (Im)Perfect Armor

-I stand broken and humbled by the pain and suffering that surrounds me. The tribulations in my life that should have left me beaten and bruised on the ground, has somehow made me stronger than before. I gaze at the armor that protects me and I am in unbelief. There is not one piece that looks unused or new, not one piece that should be protecting me anymore, yet it still does. Tears stream down my face as I remember that it was you God who allowed me to choose my own path and it was you that held me up and protected me when I saw my sin for what it was.

-The belt of truth is torn and loose. Yet, it still surrounds my waist and keeps the rest of my armor intact. Its imperfection lies in the countless times where I didn’t look to you God, for Truth. It was in worldly truth, truth based on lies and what I wanted to hear. I was led astray by my own sinful desires and deceived by empty promises of happiness and prosperity. I still fail to stand strong in your Word, but you remind me that it is by your grace that I am saved and that your love for me will never end.

-The breastplate of righteousness lies in ruins, barely hanging on by a strap. It has been broken by the countless lies and different masks that I put on around others. I am ashamed by the need to hide my true identity and the need to follow the popular crowd around me. I want to live a life dedicated to your Word, but I flee from persecution instead, quietly hiding my shame around other Christians. I falsely carry the cross as I am more focused about what others see than what you see Lord. Yet, somehow I am still protected as you forgive me and still love me the same.

-The pain from my feet is visible through the straps of the sandals. The pain from the dried blood and torn blisters remind me of how I wanted to walk my own path rather than yours. Each time that I walk my own way I was hurt and broken, brought to my knees through the pain that I caused myself and others. Yet your guiding hand keeps bringing me back to the path you have set for me, gently applying salve and putting the sandals back on my feet. It is when I am on your path that I find joy, happiness, and friendship which I lacked when I decided to walk alone, leaving you behind.

-My shield of faith is that of a small buckler, barely covering my arm. My faith seems weak and shallow, letting the devils' arrows fly through unabated. Satan grabs me and pulls me away as my faith is not steadfast. Your guiding hand would not let me go, still saying that I am yours for all eternity. Thank you God, for your faith in me that never stops, even though my own falters with every arrow from Satan. You know my limits Lord, and all you wanted was for my trust in you to carry me through.

-The helmet of salvation is covered with dents, yet it still remains the strongest piece of my ragged armor. Even if everything in my life brings me down to my lowest point, the helmet never leaves my head. The helmet is your promise that you will not break. It is the sign of your unconditional love for me. Even when I doubt, I still feel the helmet covering me. My life is safe thanks to your love for me God. You saved me and you will never let me go.

-My sword drags on the ground as I barely have the power to lift it up on my own. Its edge is dull and its weight is heavy. I don’t use the strength that you give me to lift it God and I don’t use your word to sharpen it. Yet, you still guide me and give me wisdom to make it through each day and for your will to be done. I find that the sword is the sharpest when I’m at my weakest and I have to lean fully on you, God. It is you that knows how to reach the hearts of people, not me. It is your Word and your Holy Spirit that sharpens my sword, not my own wisdom and will power.

-I stand broken yet full of hope and surrounded by your love. I know I am not the perfect soldier Lord, but that is not what you asked me to be. You use me as I am, sinful and imperfect. The war that you have me wage is there to make me lean on your strength and not my own. Even though I see my armor full of dents and holes, you don’t Lord. Your perfect will is the real armor that allows me to stand strong. Your love holds me up through the trials and temptations which stops me from following you completely. Thank you Lord, my God, my shield and provider, for loving me through my weaknesses.

Our Special Home

Billions of galaxies fill the vast empty space
Each one different, unique in their own place
They all shine with light, through the deep dark
Only one given a special, life-giving spark

Hidden within, it holds a gift proclaimed to all
Protected by a star, not too great, not too small
Perfectly placed as if it was done with great care
It was given great treasure that makes it so rare

With perfect conditions, no better, no worse
Teeming with life that is truly diverse
A planet for us, made purely divine
Created with love, thought, and design