This Means War!

The world seems to be getting darker every day, a new fear arises every time we open the front door. Every mom out there is wondering if she is giving off a peaceful vibe to her children... while inside her own fears begin to set in, destroying her and mentally draining her for weeks to come. No toilet paper, no food and for some, the very real reality of losing income.

Everywhere you turn you either see a report on the spreading of the Coronavirus or a recent death due to it. You risk your health, life and sanity to go to the grocery store for some of the basics: eggs, milk, bread maybe a Reese's candy bar.. ya know.. the essentials.

You want to be brave, you want to be the light in the darkness.. you want to be a safe haven for those needing refuge but you can't risk catching anything because your babies need you and having to be quarantined from them is just not an option you're willing to risk.

Even the strongest person can face moments of doubt and feel alone or scared... even pastors are on our knees asking God why, but then quickly asking how we can be used, how we can spread hope.. but I get it, it is draining.. for every person you seem to calm down enough to breathe, thirty more seem to panic, making it seem like the end of the world. You just can't seem to win.

There has been no other time in our lifetime we have had the opportunity on such a large scale to spread hope and love like Jesus asked us to do, (Mark 12:31) no other time has it been easier to show the love of Christ and the power and protection that God provides. Now is the time to strap on those floaties, step out of the boat and save those drowning in fear. Now is the time to put those boot on the ground and go into the wilderness and save the wandering and worried!

Let me tell you right now, if you help just one person by bringing them into God's presence of peace, you have already made a difference, they are what matters, they are what you should focus on. If you continue to look at the masses of people scared and panicking you too, will be drained and end up in the deep water with them. It is very very unlikely that God called you to save the whole world during this time, but instead focus on the people He did put in your path: your family, your social media even the grocery store employees. God called you to spread love, spread hope and lean into Him. Trust Him. Grow in Him. Apart from Him we can do nothing!! (John 15:5) Spend time with the Lord and He will guide your steps to where you're needed most.

So how do we become beacons of hope in this storm? How can we shine our light so bright it breaks through the fog of fear? How do we ourselves make it just one...more...day...

First off we need to understand that God is with us through this storm. (Joshua 1:9) He is for us not against us.(Romans 8:31) This virus isn't a surprise to Him. (Psalms 139:16) He walks though the darkest valleys with us, (Psalms 23:4) He sent His own Son to die and conquer death so we would see victory over these very dark times! This isn't a punishment, there isn't a magic word or action any one of us can do to clear all this up. With nothing but death, famine, fear, unemployment and stress spreading like wildfire, we know the one to blame. None of this was intended to bring glory to God, but by golly, us with the hope and faith of Ephesians 6 warriors will certainly never quit until every last person praises God for the victories that are coming out through this time. I know deep down in my heart that God is glowing with joy as his children are being forced from the Earthly idols of sports, concerts, money and any other idol that we have made our priority before Him. He is beaming with love for the return of His prodigal children that are running to him in fear. His arms are open wide and his lap is ready for you to crawl into and be comforted by his peace that only He, our Creator, our Father, our Breathe of Life can give us. The big bad boogie man seems so big and scary until we bring our Father to his games.

Did you know that dark and light CAN NOT coexist? (2 Corinthians 6:14) That's a great science experiment while quarantined with your kids. While the kids play non stop with the light switches, bring out some flashlights. It will only be a matter of time before someone in the room discovers little bunny foo foo and other shadow puppets. Normally, even grown adults seem to get nervous in an all dark room. But bring shadow puppets to the mix and suddenly our inner child is intrigued and ready to explore what we can create. In complete darkness even a shimmer of light can be turned for good... are we catching my drift yet? Can you also tell I am a mom? HaHa!

The world is crumbling around you, yet you were called to be the light that can not be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) A light,that brings a moment of happiness and peace. A peace that takes our attention off of the consuming darkness. You do this by dying to your earthly flesh and fears daily. You need to remember WHO your provider is. Instead of stocking up on toilet paper til year 2337, be a blessing and hand some extras to those in need. Instead of posting satire websites with overly dramatic futuristic death toll rates, post a link to videos of people who have fully recovered and give words of encouragement. Instead of leaving the news on 24/7, turn on worship music and submerge yourself in His presence. Instead of being annoyed that you're stuck in the house with your kids, take this time to connect with them one on one and create a safe haven that will last for years to come.

When you flash exuberant peace, people can't help but notice. All of the sudden, you will see that they tend to flock to you for comfort. That is when you need to be ready, scriptures in hand. If you get nothing from this blog but this next line, I will be okay with that.

YOU CAN NOT FIGHT BACK IF YOU ARE EMPTY HANDED.

How can you throw scriptures at the enemy you're facing if you haven't read it yourself. If your spiritual battery is drained it can not and will not be able to jump start someone else's. Below I shared some of my go to scriptures, feel free to find your own and cling to them. If you speak them out loud, you, yourself will be edified, growing in your faith! When the wave of uncertainty hits, when fear knocks on your door, when exhaustion is overwhelming, choose to speak life and potential into the situations at hand instead of coming into agreement with the lifeless weight that is trying to sink you.

Closing out, I want to remind everyone that we are not waiting for the revival, we are currently living it!! Now is the time to get involved! Now is the time to be a part of the “relief team” and be on the beautiful and hopeful side of history!

Lord, I pray for those reading this. I pray they feel your presence like never before. I pray they see miracles of healings... physically, mentally and spiritually. I pray for them to have strength and courage, boldness like never before. Lord please give them the glow of peace that calms all of those who look their direction. Open their eyes, ears and heart to you Lord! Show them the people you have placed in their path that only they can reach during this difficult time. Lord, help us all equip with the necessary scriptures. Please protect us and our loved ones spiritually, mentally and physically as we navigate this dark time. We give praise and thanks for not having to face ANY moment of this battle alone. We ask these things in Jesus name. Amen <3

Breathe, everything will be okay!!

Hugs, love and prayers,

*Galatian Gals

*********************************************************************************Here are a few scriptures to have ready, I once again highly recommend finding scriptures on your own that speak personally to you and your own situations. All of Psalm 91 is a fantastic read and I will share it below. So many good little nuggets in that one chapter!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

8 Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”