Perspective

As I was grieving about my marriage one autumn, and wishing for a different life, I mentioned to God that all I wanted was what any young girl wanted: a knight in shining armor to sweep her off her feet, be faithful to her, and protect her. However, the Lord then reminded me what a knight really is.

A knight is a man chosen by the King for his strength and intelligence. A knight is chosen for his respect, honor, and loyal obedience to the King. A knight is a soldier. He has to see terrible things, and do terrible things. He has to live with the scars from those who hurt him. His sword holds the markings of these terrible events, and sometimes, his faithful steed is his only friend.

The knight’s armor may be shiny in picture books, but those times are very rare. His armor most of the time is muddy from the battles he’s rode through and bloody from the casualties. A knight fights his battles not for his own benefit, but for a purpose much higher than himself, and more important than his country.

After correcting my perspective, I believe the Lord went on to encourage me:

My darling, you are not alone. I am here with you. I can see your hurt, and my heart is broken along with yours. I can see your tears, and I am crying with you. You are very precious to me. I love you, and I am very pleased with you.

I have spoken to you in my word, sweet daughter. You know I collect all your tears, each and every one. You have read that one day, I will embrace you, and comfort you for each tear you shed (Isaiah 25:8). What you don’t know is the tears I have collected from you are kept in a precious crystal vial. The glorious light of my presence shines through that vial and your tears filling Heaven with the most beautiful and brilliant rainbows imaginable. Just like those rainbows from my light through your tears, the hardships you suffer can become brilliant joy and peace if you let me work through them.

The plans I have in mind for you have not changed (Jeremiah 29:11). You are my precious little girl, and I love you. I will turn your tears into rainbows if you will let me.

Always loving you,

Father.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13