Fierce Beauty
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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. – Ephesians 6:10-13
Recently on a frigid winter run/walk along the ice-covered lake, a bald eagle flew right over my head.
I stopped and stared.
What a magnificently beautiful creature.
Then it lowered its feet and exposed its talons in order to land in a tree. My thoughts shifted from its elegant beauty to its formidable fierceness. This gorgeous creature is not just an object of beauty and awe – it can fight real battles and win! It’s equipped for battle! Suddenly I realized this is how God has created us as well.
Looking back over my life, I realize the battles have been real. Through each of them, the Lord God has given me armor and His strength when I had none of my own.
I have learned to put on “the garment of praise.”
I have learned our battles are not with people, no matter how painful and personal they can seem. As the Bible says, they are with “spiritual forces of evil.”
I have learned He is walking beside me into battle.
How do I know this? “The Bible tells me so.” And I can look back and see He was there. He was there; and He was there.
Prayer:
Dear God, continue to direct our steps that we may be beautiful AND fierce along the journey. Amen.
Sandy Cameron
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