Shell Shocked

I have known people who have been in battle militarily-speaking but I have only seen a few right after returning from active combat. When I was about six my cousin returned from Vietnam. I remember him before leaving for the war. He was so energetic and fun to be around. When he came back he limped because part of a rocket had gone through his leg. Beyond the physical injury I remember him being different for a time - a little quieter, less likely to say something funny and very pensive, as if he always had something processing in his mind. Of course, I was only six years old and these are recollections. I didn't understand what he had been through but now I think I do. My cousin would return to his energetic and humorous self after a time but it took time.

I know nothing about military battle but I think there are similarities between military battle and spiritual battle. There is a definite enemy and there can be definite casualties. For the better part of the year I have experienced spiritual battle and I have not gone through it alone. Our church, my family, have all been through it as well. It's been exhausting and there has been times where it looked like the ammunition box was getting pretty low. And then there's Jesus. Like a Sikorsky helicopter landing in the thickest jungle to provide rescue. While being in battle really stinks, believe it or not I thank God for having gone through it. Not that I want to do it again but the battle itself has made me realize that truly anything is possible in Christ Jesus. And yes, I am being a little cryptic as to exactly what the battle is. Those of you who have gone through this with me side by side know exactly what I am talking about. For those of you who are guessing, the battle isn't much different than what you've gone through in the past year. We all fight against principalities and powers - hopefully, with Jesus Christ as our general.

Tomorrow there is a great celebration in the church and it took up until the last couple of days for me to get excited about it. I attribute that delay to being shell shocked. That period of time right after fighting a battle where part of you still feels like the battle is being fought. It's a time when you are adjusting to normal peacetime and your mind and soul are trying to deal with and categorize the atrocities that you have been through and seen. But then again, there is Jesus. He has been my sanctuary, my healer and above all, my savior. For those of you who are battling, be encouraged. You are already victorious through Christ Jesus. For those of you are shell shocked, prayerfully allow yourself to go through this period. It's formational. But it's easy to get stuck, so that is why I say prayerfully go through it. And if you ever want to swap war stories, give me a call.

GO BIG!