Controlling the Weapons

Have you ever had a dream that felt so real it left you feeling a little wrecked?

A couple of nights ago, this happened to me, and I haven't been able to shake it. Most of the time when I have dreams like this, I know the Lord is at work, whether it's to have me minister to someone else or simply receive something for myself. 

In this case, it is all of the above.

In my dream, my home was going to be demolished. This news came without any sort of warning. My kids came to the door and told me that a crew had gathered across the street and a "ball", as they put it, was about to be smashed into the house, destroying it and everything we owned.

Earlier in the dream, a woman had come to my house, explaining that people were doing this to several other houses in the neighborhood, and she received word that her house would soon be destroyed. I didn't receive this notice, and while feeling sad for her, I felt relieved for myself.

When my boys told me about the crew outside, I bolted across the street, pleading with them that this was a mistake. They had the wrong address. No one had come to notify me of any of this, but they just looked at each other smugly and ignored my pleas. I begged, I cried, I prayed out to God, I even asked to go into the house to grab some of our important things. Nothing phased them. There was zero compassion.

It became clear to me they had an assignment and were going to complete that assignment at all costs. At this point, the neighbors were observing all of this, stunned at what was happening. My kids were devastated. Other people in my life were standing, watching as I begged these men to have mercy and spare my home.

At one point, I ran over to the woman who had visited me earlier in my dream. She was packing up her stuff, and I begged her to please come and help me explain to these men that they have the wrong house. She reluctantly agreed, and we both ran back to my home, but it was too late. They were gone. Their equipment was gone. Everything looked as if no one had ever been there. At first, I thought my prayer had worked. It appeared that God had allowed my home to be saved, but as I got closer, I saw it had not. There was an enormous hole in the middle of my home. Everything I worked and built for me and my boys was now demolished. 

I instantly fell to my knees in the middle of the street and just began to wail in devastation while everyone stood behind me watching motionless and speechless. 

But that's not where it ended. 

As everyone stood observing the worst tragedy of my life, I picked myself up off the cold, hard asphalt. A fire within me that should have been quenched by my tears seemed to burn stronger than ever, and I had a determination not to let this defeat win. So as I stood up, I lifted my hands and I worshipped the Lord. 

THAT is where the dream ended, and I woke up. 

As I have been pondering this, it has brought up so much emotion. Why did I have this dream? I mean, yes, I have been divorced for 7 years, but I feel I have truly healed from it all. There is no animosity or unforgiveness. I am good and at peace. It left me wondering... is there anything still left to "deal with"? 

Then, going about my day, still breaking into tears remembering the details, it became clear to me. 

Things in life are going to happen to us that we ultimately just do not understand. Devastating, terrible, gut-wrenching things will come to try to ruin our lives and destroy our faith. People closest to us will be there watching in disbelief, not knowing what to do or how to help.

The question everyone will want to know is, will our faith stand when our whole world falls apart? 

As everyone stood watching me, I knew in that moment they were waiting to see what I would do next. I felt their concern and wonder. It fueled me, and I knew I had to worship. I had to show that while my home was destroyed, my faith was not. Even in the weakest moment of my life, I stood in the strength of the Lord and declared He is my Lord no matter what, and I will worship Him.

That's it. That's the message. 

The words of a song come to mind from Shane & Shane:

"Though You slay me

Yet I will praise You

Though You take from me

I will bless Your name

Though You ruin me

Still, I will worship

Sing a song to the one who's all I need."

This song comes from the story of Job in the Bible. He was a man who faced the worst tragedies and received horrible comfort in the midst of it. Yet, his faith stayed steady. 

I don't know what you have faced in life. I don't know what you will face, but my prayer and encouragement for you is to stay steady. Don't let the devastations of life quench your praise. Even when you have to peel yourself off the floor, stand up, friend. Stand UP and see the salvation of the Lord.

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him." Job 13: 15-16

Yes, weapons will be formed, but they will NOT prosper in Jesus' name.