Skip to main content

In-Between

This week, I have found myself in such a peaceful place.  The edge-of-my-seat tension has departed.  Now, I know this is just a moment of rest.  I've been in prayer and asked God to keep me from getting too comfortable.  And Holy Spirit spoke to me, almost laughingly, and told me to just enjoy the peace that God has given me.  Battle mode has been on replay every day for these last few months, and God has given me a "Selah" moment.  Selah means "rest in the Lord."  It's found in Psalms when the Psalmist has said something significant and wants to just stop and think about what was just said.  

So in my time of "Selah," I'm thinking back to all God has done for me and my family over the last few weeks and months.  It's easy to count your blessings when you look for them.  I know that there will be another battle to fight soon.  I know that the enemy will not stop attacking.  His mission is to kill, steal, and destroy.  There is time for battle and there is time for peace.  The next attack may be more difficult.  So I stay battle-ready.  I know how the enemy works.  He would love for this peace to lull me into a space where I am comfortable until I am ineffective.  That's not what God has for me.  In the peace, I still prepare.  This peace between battles is a necessary respite, and I will gratefully use it to polish my armor.  

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:13 NLT)

Another revelation: in fighting battles, all I really have to do is put on the armor of God.  And stand.  He'll do the fighting for me.  God's been teaching me about how to be a warrior for Him, which is something I never would call myself.  But the more He teaches me about how to fight HIS way, the more I like it.  I stay ready.  He does all the heavy lifting. And then He gives me the precious "in-between peace" to restore my soul.  I just have to stand firm.  Whether in battle or in-between, you'll find me standing firm in the peace of God.



© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...