Pick Up Your Sword, Mama!
I wanted to share an article I wrote for Help Club for Moms with you. I LOVE extra opportunities to write and teach - because that’s when I learn the most. I wrote this article weeks ago during a very stressful time. I remember the pending deadline to submit an article about the Word of God and feeling overwhelmed about what to say. But isn’t that always where God shows up?
I hope this encourages you! Love you guy!
Recently I felt overcome with fear for my teenager. I couldn’t stop thinking about the world he is growing up in and the onslaught of temptation he’s faced with in just one day of high school. My hope is in God, but to be honest, I’m still finding it difficult to give my son the freedom to fly (or fail) that he needs in this stage of life.
I caught myself replaying a soundtrack of “What if’s” in my mind, which only led to more fear. Our compassionate Lord interrupted my fear-filled thoughts in the late hours of a dark night. I was grieving the broken world my children are inheriting, and He reminded me He has always known about this time and what this generation would face.
Mama, if you know those anxious nights too, take heart. The darkness seems to shout louder with each passing year, but God is not surprised at the world He is entrusting to our children. He is not lacking in wisdom, compassion, or omnipotent love. I’ve replaced the soundtrack in my mind with the song, “Hope of the Ages” by Hillsong, Morgan and Carnes. The most powerful lyrics for me are, “His Word is the answer for all generations. It will never be tainted. It will never be broken.”
Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
Mama, you and I are empowered when we can see both this world and God’s Word for what they really are. The world tosses and turns with each passing wind, but God’s Word is a weapon. “Hope of the Ages” goes on to proclaim that the darker it gets, the brighter He’ll burn. Nothing can stop what He has done and will do. Jesus is the hope of the ages, our families, friends, children and the world that will keep turning even when we take our last breaths. It doesn’t serve our hearts well to fuel the flame of fear and darkness that our enemy has kindled.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” So pick up your sword, Mama! There is only good news through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
What’s Next:
The best thing you can do is to literally pick up your sword – the Bible! It’s time to put on your armor, Mama! Open up to Ephesians 6:10-18. If you can, stand up and read it aloud as you spiritually put on the armor that God has equipped you with to face anything and everything. If you have young children, you can do it with them and make up motions for each piece of armor. Offer a reward for older children who can memorize this passage. It will serve them throughout their entire lives. Make sure you memorize it with them!