Gird your loins, people.

Revelation 12:11 says "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

Wow.

I have been thinking on this verse ever since the Lord gave it to me during church a few weeks ago.  It has encouraged and reminded me.  I find I need a lot of encouragement (and reminders) these days.  Not solely b/c twins (and a toddler!) are an indescribably insane amount of non-stop work, but primarily b/c of the emotional heaviness of having a loved one battling terminal cancer.  My beloved father is fighting stage 4 prostate cancer.

In a season where I don' t have a lot of time to study the Word, this verse reminds me of the treasure of God's promises.  It encourages me to remember His faithfulness and focus on what He has done and what more He wants to do.  Many believe He is able, I also believe He is willing.

When I find that I am succumbing to the overwhelming waves of discouragement I feel, I am reminded that my emotions do not control me.  In reality, I can command them to "praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me."

Sometimes this feels like a season of so unending questions:  Why does this cancer have to coincide with the time in my life where I have never been busier?  I want to help.  Why are there so many needs when I have so little time to pray?  I want to intercede.  Why does it seem that just when things are calming down, another giant storm hits?  I am getting used to bad news.  Why is the man who taught me to believe for healing being hit so hard with sickness?  Hm, I think I know the answer to that one.

This verse reminds what God has said as I come to Him with my discouragement:  Gird your loins (which means get ready to run), rally the troops, fasten your seatbelt, prepare for the battle, when grief is overwhelming, buck up, Beloved, and know that I AM GOD.