God Speaking

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11: 28)

Just recently I learnt about a wonderful organization called Wounded Warriors. I was very touched first by the title and then about what were their goals. I have always been so impressed by Paramedics in the way they fulfill their jobs daily, being the first responders at horrible accidents, witnessing people covered in blood, seeing a multiple car accident having to decide who needs them first and the worst I can image small children perhaps dead. I can only imagine the toll this must have on their emotional well being. This organization recognizes the effect of this trauma and has a program where the wounded Paramedics and others in stressful jobs, can retreat to a quite place and heal. 

Life can sometimes feel like a battle for us and constantly struggling to overcome overwhelming circumstances in our own lives can leave us wounded, this is when we need a warrior to fight for us. God assured the children of Israel that is who he is.

“The Lord is a warrior. The Lord is his name.” (Exodus 15: 3)

When we remember what a Mighty Warrior our Heavenly Father is, we realise he is the one to turn to when we feel wounded. 

“Do you not know? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40: 28 – 29)

Sometimes we think admitting we feel wounded is a sign of weakness and feel we are failing somehow, but when we realise life takes many turns beyond our control, the best thing is to seek help.

One of my favourite passages in the Bible is in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. They obviously were feeling wounded, and he reminds them of the Great Warrior we must fight for us and tells them to put on the armour of God. This passage in Ephesians 6:10 17 is well worth reading. This is what he tells them and us. 

The belt of truth buckled around your waist

The breastplate of righteous in place

Feet fitted with the gospel of peace

Take up the shield of faith

Put on the helmet of salvation

Take with you the sword of the Spirit

Jesus’s promise sums up all we need when we are feeling wounded 

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14: 27)