Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—- Epehsians 6:11-18

What is courage but the ability to stand on our feet and do what must be done, when to do so potentially causes us loss, harm or significant discomfort?  Surrender is not paralysis, but voluntary dedication and conformity to the things of God.  Granted, this life is often disheartening, especially to those of us who do not posses the means to buy, manipulate or simply excuse ourselves out of unpleasant circumstances.  What then is within my authority, but the idea of choice given me by God’s free will gift of mercy and grace.  I am free to do what I can to make a difference in my own life and that of those around me, simply by doing what can be done, when it may be done.  For I could equally choose defeat, fear, discouragement and inefficacy.  But my hope is not in my own performance, but a dependence, a full measure of reliance upon the indisputable nature of Almighty God to come along side me and do what I cannot to the Glory of His Good Will.  If I have enough faith and courage to do what is within my own strength, then perhaps God will bring me through unscathed.  At least I will know that I did what could be done instead of giving up.

I may not have amassed power or authority in a wealth of influence, but neither am I powerless.  My armor is that of the righteousness, faith, truth, peace, salvation and Spirit of Almighty God.  My defenses are as impenetrable as the Lord allows.  No weapon formed against me may prosper.  For when the enemy looks upon me he sees Christ.  So, if I do receive any suffering, loss or damage brought by those who would wish me harm, it is for my edification to the purposes of God’s Great Glory.  It is within my strength to determine that which is within my own ability and surplus to perform then take said action in timely manner, leaving the rest to God.  Never should we fall pray to the charade or paralysis of fear, residing determinately within the protection of love, power and of a sound mind.

Friends, we see the desperation and uncertainty endemic to this fallen world.  Just as in steering to avoid accident, we must not focus upon the object of our potential collision but rather upon the avenue of free passage.  Our vision should be locked upon Christ as the path, the door, the way through this tragic, finite and short term passage on our homeward journey.

The emotions of life are real.  Perception is key to determining our perspective.  If we believe that life, and its incumbent obstacles render us helpless or that they are insurmountable, that is certainly what we shall believe.  For belief is the seed which blossoms in faith.  If we are to arrive at a greater measure of faith then we must first make conscious determination of what it is, exactly that we believe.  Either we accept the lies and controlling influences of worldly despair or rely upon the Word of God in hope and guaranteed victory.

As with every thing in this life there really are only two positions.  Many would minister in the support of greyness, hoping to bend the principles of light and absolute truth.  Purity does exist, no matter how many argue for pollution or conceptualization and approval in a man made god of human idolatry.  We must not fall in folly to the relativist concepts of a world that wishes to rationalize, excuse and explain away wickedness.  For there is only one truth and I in my limited authority choose to believe in the immutable things of God.  Lord give me discernment and wisdom to see the steps which may be undertaken in my own capacity, let me take them then give me the patience to wait there in faith for your arrival.  In Jesus Name.