Dirty Uniforms

Isaiah 9:5 (NLT) says, "The boots of the warriors and the uniforms bloodstained by war will be burned.  They will be fuel for the fire."

This is only one verse from a chapter on hope that God offers through the Messiah.  But for some reason, this verse stuck out to me this morning and spoke directly to my heart.

My current battle is emotionally and mentally exhausting.  The enemy, Satan, wants me to give up and surrender in defeat.  He has played mind games in a tug of war for my soul and my marriage.  He wants me as his prisoner. 

I have a great big NEWS FLASH for him...the victory is already mine because of Jesus.  He fought the battle for me and already won.  I just have to wait for further instruction from the One who has gone before me and cleared the path.

I have to say, I have tried to fight this war on my own.  My boots are very dirty and my uniform torn and bloodied from the fight.  I have wounds from this heavy fighting.

God will take the dirty, torn, bloodstained uniform and the nasty, muddy boots and use them to fuel the fire for His glory.  The dirty and stained become a fuel source in the fire that is God's grace.  He will heal the wounds and replace them with mere scars.  Scars that will remind me of where we were,  what we've been through and God's AMAZING rescue. 

I just pictured the war movie where the solitary soldier was left to survive on his own until he could get rescued.  I am sure the soldier had doubts of rescue.  All hope seemed dim.  I have had days when I felt like I have been left alone to survive on my own but that's the enemy trying to win. (Spoiler alert) He is NOT GOING TO WIN! God ALWAYS rescues His people.  We don't have to wonder or worry or have doubt.  Praise God!!!

God promises good to me. "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 HCSB
God's purpose in letting us go into these battles is to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.  He allows these things in order to bring glory to Himself and His Kingdom.  He uses the the dirty uniforms and boots to keep the fire for Him burning.  After all, everything in this world and in existence is His.