The Weapons of War

On August 17, 2020, I was in prayer with a friend and I saw what at first I believed was for the two of us but I realized over the next day or so that it was for many others. Our world is a complex place right now, even more so than usual. Many of us are in great times of despair, pressure, worry, strife, sickness, and fear. These things are not of Christ. The enemy is waging war on humanity, The Body of Christ is a focus but as I write this I believe that some who are being drawn to the Lord are also under attack. Are you suffering financially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically? You are not alone. Take heart, Genesis 50:20 says, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" (New American Standard Bible). This was Joseph speaking to his brothers after all of the horrible things he went through as a result of them selling him into slavery. What the enemy meant for evil God used for a blessing to Joseph and also to many generations that followed him. Joseph became second in command of all of Egypt, over the house and affairs of the Pharoah. But during that time of slavery, falsely being accused by Pottifer's wife and imprisoned for no reason, Joseph still had faith. Do you suppose that was a comfortable time for the young man?

We are all under a different type of pressure today than we are used to. The news is telling us to fear, it is neighbor against neighbor due to differing opinions regarding political, religious, and social issues. Not to mention the threat of disease with COVID-19 and losses of jobs and school changes. It is no wonder we are stressed and uncertain at times. But GOD!

Now on to the vision that I saw during prayer

I saw a beautiful sword in the hand of God. He was making it. This particular sword had multiple metals, iron, steel, and gold.

In order to make a weapon like this, the creator would need to apply heat to make the metals, heat to purify the gold, heat to form them together, use a hammer to temper the steel and form the edge. The weapon would need to be bent to the desired form, shaped, sharpened, and polished.

If the weapon was a living being that would be terribly uncomfortable. What if you are the weapon? God wants you to know that you are not alone. He has not left you. He sees everything that you are going through and He is using this time to make you into the weapon that He needs to use during this time in history. The heat, forming, sharpening, and polishing are all going to make you more useful in His hand. What the enemy thought would break you, will strengthen you. I believe that he is making each of us into a particular weapon for His use according to our purpose and calling. Some may be a sword, some a shield, some an arrow, some a spear. It's up to the Master to decide, but rest assured, He is working.

Pay attention to what He draws to your attention during this time. Are there things that come up that you still need to forgive or deal with? Do that. Submit them to Him and ask for His help. Are there new things happening in your time of prayer? Perhaps He is growing you. We all know that growing pains hurt, but do not back down. Are you having problems with relationships? Pray for them. Ask God what He would have you to do. Are you experiencing increased push back in your spiritual walk, keep going, the enemy wants you to give up, DON"T!

Sometimes you may feel like you are all alone pushing that boulder uphill with no evidence of success. That is a lie of the enemy. He wants you to believe that it's hopeless, you will never change, heal, grow, have success, have money, your family won't be saved, you won't be free of addiction, etc. ALL LIES! The BLOOD OF JESUS already did all that you need for it to do on the cross of Calvery. The blood of Jesus speaks against the plans of the enemy and says "it is finished". The battle is won!

Continue to have faith and to do as God instructs you. Be obedient to His Word, follow His voice. Do not grow weary. "Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" Phil 3:14, (NASB). It's always darkest before the dawn.

Isaiah 58:8, "Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard" (NASB).

In His love,

Charissa