"Soaring With The Armor."

                    

This morning I dreamt I was standing on top of a huge rocky mountain in the middle of the Sahara Dessert. There I stood at the edge of the cliff, naked because I was unashamed of past failures. Sweat ran profusely down my body. The swift beat of my heart felt like it was going to jump straight out of my chest. Anxiously, I closed my eyes, spread out my arms, tightened my toes and took a deep breath…..

Then all of a sudden, I felt a soothing gust of wind whirl around me, feeling like a warm hug. Then the soft yet powerful voice of my heavenly father whispered, “My daughter, I did not give you the Spirit of Fear! I gave you the Spirit of Power, the Spirit of Love, and the Spirit of a Sound Mind. Together, we can do all things. Carry my Word with you at all times, hold on to your confidence and Trust in Me!” Calmly, I smiled and cried, “Abba! Thank you for always being here for me when I feel so alone.” He wiped my tears, kissed my cheek and uttered sweetly, “I will eHenever leave you nor forsake you! Put on your whole armor, so that you may be able to stand against all the strategies and deceits of the devil.”  

I opened my eyes and stepped back from the cliff. There to my right lay “The Mighty Armor of God,” and attached was a note that read, “Put on this armor, so that you can defend yourself and be victorious. Always be ready with truth wrapped around your waist, like a belt and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all of the evil flaming arrows. Let God's saving power be like a helmet and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying.”

Firmly, I hiked up to the edge of the cliff and confessed, “Abba! Please forgive my disbelief. I will respect you say.” Tightly, I closed my eyes and whispered softly, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in fresh tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, not for my earning it, but for His name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the deep sunless valley of the shadow of death I will fear or dread no evil; for You Abba, are with me; your rod protects me and your staff guides me, they comfort me.”  I paused for a moment of silence.

Suddenly, I felt a warm tingle rush up and down my body, I popped open my eyes and shouted with glee, “I'm ready!”  Together we jumped with no hesitation and soared confidently with the gentle wind that directed our destination. At that very moment, I had not a care. I was free from FEAR!  When I awoke from my dream, I jumped off my couch and praised Him for restoring my life!

Today, I stand a powerful woman who is confident in my heavenly father’s word, fearless on my walk and ready to conquer the world!  You see a few months ago, I wasn’t able to utter these words with confidence. They say, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” True indeed, because thanks to God, I am stronger than ever. This year I conquered a huge goal and paid a huge price for it. I learned when the opposition is heavy, the reward is abundant. Whatever you do, don’t surrender to your challenger; knock him out with the word of God!  

(c)  2010 Jessica Hicks