War paint

I admit that I'm not one to put on a lot of make-up.  Yet, today, as I was getting ready for church and applying what little make-up I wear, a thought occurred to me.

This looks like I'm putting on war paint.

I laughed at the time, but it is indeed true.  Each day, every person puts on ___________  in order to brave the day.  Sometimes it's make-up, literally....but, more times than not, I believe it may be something much deeper.

To the person who is going through depression, it may be a fake smile.

To the person struggling financially, it may be work boots and pushing through feelings of inadequacy.

To the person who feels lonely and alone, it may putting a self-proclamation of "I can do this".

Sometimes, however, life throws out pitches so quickly, that we are sure to strike out.  Pitches that feel like punches to the gut.  In those times, it's important to remember that the game of life we are playing is not ours to play at all.  We try to keep up.  We keep score.  But, I'm not sure that God does.

2 Choronicles 2:17 says that you don't have to fight the battle...you just have stand still and let God take care of it.  Deuteronomy 20:4 says that God will give us the Victory.  Deuteronomy 1:30 says that God will even go before you and fight the battle.

Not only are you victorious....you are given the victory.  I admit it's hard when facing life's difficulties, but God is one of honor, and He is a winner (read the end of THE book).  He's sharing that win with you.  Consider it a "bye".  If a team receives a "bye", they don't have to play or compete.

So, whether you put on that war paint, step into the game, or sit on the bench.  It doesn't matter what choice you make; just remember this:

God's got this.