Fighting for Peace

Fighting for peace in the middle of tough times is hard.  Throughout the building of the tree house we have encountered days full of small victories, like when we found out getting permits were not going to cost quite as much as we budgeted for. Then there are days full of stress, like when the reveal date has been bumped up a full 6 days earlier than we had planned for (Ahhh panic!)  

Overall, I’m learning it’s in these stressful days that it’s important to hang on to truth with all your might.  Amidst the tough and weary days, lies are like flaming arrows hitting me left and right screaming…

“Why would you think you can do this? You’ve never built anything like this before.”

“You don’t have enough experience. You’re certainly not a designer.”

“You’re going to make enemies through this and not friends.”

“You don’t handle pressure well.”

“What makes you think anyone would even want to stay here?”

“You’re wasting time and money that could be spent in a much better way for your families future.”

“Why didn’t you just get a 9-5, buy a house, and start a family like the rest of the world?”

“None of this makes sense!  Are you sure you’ve thought this out?”

It’s in these moments that I often feel like throwing in the towel and giving up.  I lose my will to fight and I become victim to my circumstance. Worst of all, I loosen my grip on my dreams and The One who gave them to me and I offer them up in exchange for relief.  I search and reach for my white flag to wave in surrender to the enemy, but then anger sets in.  The good kind of anger that triggers the memory of vital truths and your role in this fight.

Truths that remind you that it’s not about April.  It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than Daniel, and it’s bigger than our dreams.  Truths remind me that I am a soldier—a fierce soldier who does not cower in fear when arrows fly, but one who grabs her powerful sword and mighty shield and fights back with a vengeance.  Even the smallest ounce of truth in the midst of a thousand flaming lies can be enough to spark the fire of strength and perseverance you need to be a warrior.   

Peace and contentment are such a gift in this world, but they certainly don’t come without great pursuit and crucial fight.  May we be those who go to battle even when we feel like we don’t have much fight left.  It’s worth it.