YO GIRLS!
Happy Summer to you! Every Wednesday morning, it is a rush for me to think about you ladies who are reading the newest post with anticipation—for us to get to know each other better, for a refuge from the craziness of the day, for hopefully getting one more glimpse of the mighty, beautiful God we serve.
Lately, we’ve been focusing on who we are as individuals- the characteristics and qualities that God has given us. On learning how to use what we’ve been given for the kingdom of God, how to embrace our quirks, how to answer the question “Who Am I?” honestly. And I don’t know about you, but if I spend too much time in my own head, I go crazy with the future and tend to forget the now.
I am obsessed with knowing the next thing. Graduation. Marriage. Job.
But what about when we have no idea? What about when a season of life is coming to a close and we’re stuck with a big fat question mark? When we know Jesus is an extraordinary Savior and we have nothing to worry about but we still want to know.
Dear friend, if you’re there, I’m standing right there with you.
I’ve recently stepped out of a busy season doing my own thing into one of assisting the people I’m surrounded by. I am a helper. I am a supporter.
Maybe in the tension of wanting to know what God is “going to do with our lives” we should just look outward. In Matthew 22, Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment of all is, and He says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Love God, love people.
So I’m starting a social experiment on myself and you are more than welcome to join me.
I want to be an armor-bearer.
No, I’m not enlisting in the military.
1 Samuel 14 is a prime example.
Read it if you have a minute.
Imagine this:
Once upon a time, highly regarded military men would have the weight of the army on their shoulders. It was their responsibility to make decisions, take care of the troop, and protect the camp. They casted vision for their team. By being in the military in the first place, you are expected to respect, honor, and follow the leaders of the army. So every major had one man. One armor-bearer. Someone they trusted with their lives to walk and fight alongside them. While the major may have two spears in his hands, he was defenseless. The armor bearer would be the one holding a shield- being their rear guard, their front guard, all the while fighting with their soldier.
So this concept is figurative in many ways for us ladies, but listen,
Imagine living in the woods far from home.
Since you are an armor bearer, their schedule becomes yours.
You strap on heavy protective gear and carry the weight with joy.
When your camp is attacked, you go with your friend into the fight.
Being attentive to all sides, you encourage them to persevere.
It’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but it’s the tightest relationship you have now.
So when I get stuck in my own head about my future, my dream, my goals, the “what is God going to do with my life?”, I remember my duty and serious honor of being an armor bearer for the people God has given me to live alongside.
In 1 Samuel 14, God tells Jonathan to approach the enemy camp because He will deliver them into His hands. Jonathan tells his armor-bearer the plan and without hesitation, he gets up to follow Jonathan and says, “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” There is great trust there.
Being an armor-bearer means taking risks for people. I pray that I would be useful to God in other people’s lives because of this thought.
I want to be my husband’s armor bearer to lift Him up.
I want to be my friend’s armor-bearer, to be her loyal confidant and to lovingly walk alongside her in her engagement.
I want to be my mom’s armor-bearer, to remind her of the grace God has given her for today and that what might seem like loss and distance may turn into greater growth in our family.
I want to be my future boss’ armor-bearer to encourage them in integrity.
I want to be my 87 year-old neighbor’s armor-bearer, to be her companion when she has few and to make sure she knows she is still a blessing to others.
This is not a burden, it is a great joy.
So when I ask, “What can I do for them?” God gives me room to learn more about His heart of service, which is eternally valuable.
You know the over-your-shoulder, breathing-down-your-neck, how-can-I-focus-at-all person who can’t leave you alone long enough to finish something you’ve already started? Sometimes I get a sense that I am that way with what God is doing.
So let’s spend our time being thankful for Him and not just what He gives us.
Let’s spend our time standing for the people in our lives, the easy-to-love and not-so-easy-to-love, bearing their armor.
And when we give of ourselves, may we see more clearly
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me