Living in the Middle Ages wasn't easy. (Are we any better with our
hectic self-appointed schedules? We may be more health-conscious, but we
aren't "healthy". Heart attacks are on the rise. So are headaches. Where
do they come from? We have Aspirin and Acetaminophen to cover the
symptoms, or Ibuprofen for those who can't tolerate the above two,
nonetheless, they keep appearing. What's wrong with our medicines? Don't
they do what we want them to do?)
The people of the Middle Ages
used swords as weapons (We don't have to worry about these anymore . . .
In our day and age, we have automatic machine guns!). And since people
back then didn't want to be killed (guess we haven't changed!), they
invented ways of protecting themselves.
Or at least the wealthy
did!
They tried just about everything, from leather to wood to --
silk! As these (especially silk!) didn't do much to stop the swords,
someone invented chain-mail for those who could afford it. Suddenly it
was harder to pierce a wealthy person to death, but more often than not,
the sword found a vulnerable part of the chain-mail. These vulnerable
spots served as a real handicap to its wearer. And if the chain-mail was
found to be invulnerable, the head of the bearer was simply sliced off,
as chain-mail could not protect the head (An oversight, I am sure).
"Ouch! I want my money back!"
"Sorry! You don't carry much
weight any longer!"
It was time for better protection, and metal
plates were invented to cover the entire body (Try to pierce me now!
Ha!)
Every piece of armor was made to perfection according to the
specifications of the individual who would wear it (No! You can't have
my armor, it would be too big for you!)
The weight was
distributed in such a way, that a rider could move around quickly
(Though likely not as quickly as in t-shirts and Reeboks!) And rise up
(With difficulty I am certain!) When he fell from his horse. (Can't this
horse be more stable? How can it be otherwise! Horses live in stables!)
As a result, noble wealthy men could be more in control for the
outcome of certain squirmishes. Until firearms appeared, that is, making
those tomb-like contraptions worthless to the wearer, as it offered no
protection against bullets. (And the manufacturer guaranteed I would be
safe in this! No wonder he's bankrupt!)
History keeps on
repeating itself. We tend to think we are in control until . . . We find
out we are not! Then we try to do something about the problem that is
controlling us, and it seems we are back in the game. Until something
again goes wrong, that is!
Anger bursts out of our mouth without
us even planning it. Spouses and children may betray us without us even
being aware. Jobs are terminated and we find ourselves desperately
roaming the streets. Where did all of our control go?
In all
reality, the more we hold on to control, the less we have it. It always
seems as if circumstances and anyone around us, with some exceptions,
are rising against what we think we are in control of. Peace is fleeting
as despair fills in the cracks. Life seems without meaning.
Reality is not found in our capable hands, but in God Himself. Once we
leave control to Him, we can experience a meaningful life, filled with
inner peace. Unless we try to be in control again, that is!
Turmoil and trials will always arise, but we won't have to worry about
these. God is in control! No one can bypass Him, and not only does His
armour cover Him completely, it is also impenetrable, even by bullets.
He is the One who will re-energize us, just like those rechargeable
batteries. He is the One who will give us rest during turmoil. He is our
rest! He is our peace! He is the One who gives meaning to our lives, as
long as we leave everything in His care.
And why not? He's our
Lord and Saviour, after all!
"Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28 NIV)
This
Armor is too heavy anyway. I would rather trust in the Lord!
Rob
Chaffart
Am I Truly in Control? Only in Jesus, Part 1
Today's Bible Verse:
"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the
Spirit is life and peace . . . Those controlled by the sinful nature
cannot please God." (Rom 8:6, 8)
Am I Truly in Control? Only in Jesus, Part 1
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P. S. If you have experienced God as the One who gives you rest, why not share your testimony with us? We will be sure to incorporate your personal experience into one of our upcoming devotionals. Thank you. Please submit them here !
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