Overwhelmed or Overcomer

Dear Captain,

In the midst of this battle things easily get overwhelming.   I look in the mirror and I see just one.  Just one whose inclination is quietness and peace.  How did I step into warrior's shoes?   It seems as though just when my heart forgets the burden, something or someone reminds me that it is still there.  Around me are countless displays of Your love and promises in Your Word, through song, and life events.  They remind me that You have it all in Your hands.  So why does my heart waiver?   I may feel undervalued, but You, my Savior, value me more than I can imagine.  I may feel like my voice has been silenced, but You, The Almighty, always listen.  I may feel alone but You, my Friend, know me best and still commit to always be with me.  I may feel inadequate, but You are the God of angel armies.  This battle has made me grow, not only in strength, but in awareness.  Hurting comes in different forms and some can be oppressed in such subtle ways we overlook it.  Something had to pop the bubble around my life so that I could see the injustice that was occurring.  I could have walked away and I still will if You want me to.  It's so much easier to just look out for myself and expect others to do the same.  I don't want this to be about greed or retribution.  Search my heart dear God and know me.  My desire is for this to be about righting a wrong, valuing equality, and making a change for the better of people's lives.  In the end, if You would just use me to reflect Your glory, that would be my greatest accomplishment.

Go before me and lead me in this battle.  Nothing can stand against You.  I will follow and hold to Your promises.  It is a battle unfamiliar, it is a battle of long-suffering, it is a battle of sacrifice, it is an unpopular battle but it is the one You've asked me to fight.  And fight I will!  When my arms weaken in carrying the sword, hold them up.  When my steps grow heavy, lift me up.  When my heart feels as though it would break, hold it together.  And when my words fail me, speak through me.  As Esther was cloaked in the strength of her people's cries and prayers, so I pray You cover me.  In wisdom, patience, grace, and strength may You guide by steps.  And in the words of Your servant David, "This battle is the Lord's."

In Jesus' Name I press on,

Amen