Being suited and ready for warfare is a tall order.  The impact it has on the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional parts of our lives is huge.  P.T.S.D. (post traumatic stress disorder) is the residual impact of extensive stress to all these areas of our being.  It is most commonly associated with military personnel in combat, but P.T.S.D. also impacts those who have experienced major trauma during childhood, during severe health issues, any kind of sexual violation, bullying and many other domains of life.  We all deal with stress and trauma in our lives to some degree.  It is part of living!  What I have witnessed is a resounding difference in how one manages P.T.S.D. when their faith rests on Jesus Christ.    Jesus is their solid rock foundation and the Bible their truth.  There are several Women of Faith who have survived horrific circumstances, and lived to tell others it was Christ alone.  These women have influenced my journey in how I have managed my own health stresses, and other life related trauma.

Corrie ten Boom, concentration camp survivor who help many Jewish people escape from the Nazis during the Holocaust in World War II by hiding them in her home.

Amy Carmichael, protector of orphans in India for 55 years without furlough.

Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist and political activist who escaped slavery and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

Joni Eareckson Tada, quadriplegic after a diving accident at the age of 17, and a breast cancer survivor.

Elizabeth Elliott, young wife of martyred missionary husband to the Auca Indian tribe in South America, who went on to serve the same tribal men who killed her husband for two years.

The list goes on with countless examples of people I would call “Heroes of the Faith”. I am left in awe of their focus on Christ!  I am challenged to ponder what that looked like in their everyday lives.  The biggest question I must ask myself is if I possess the “stealth ammunition” these women did that allowed them to manage stress & trauma poetically?  And if I do, do I yield to it?  This ammunition is the product of the Holy Spirit which comes from walking closely with the Lord.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” – ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-26‬

I cannot live this life without the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life.  These fruits are the evidence of His involvement, and the ammunition I need to manage any scenario I face.  This is my stealth ammunition!

Recently, I was challenged in the area of verbal self-control.  I wanted to say something because I had been offended.  Instead, I was quickly reminded that my battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities of the dark world, and I was immediately in control of my emotions, thoughts and desires.  Because I had hidden His Word in my heart, the Holy Spirit was able to immediately bring to mind what I needed to do by recalling scripture that reminded me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger, and then to check my heart.  I gained self-control of my tongue.  I walked away from the situation at peace having not said something I would have definitely regretted afterwards.  The enemy, Satan and all his minions, his deceptions and illusions, were defeated.  The battle was won by the Holy Spirit in me.  

I have been given the power and tools to wage war and walk victoriously every moment of every day.  Some of the essential tools needed in the equation of utilizing the armor to its fullest potential are reading, studying and memorizing scripture, praying, worshiping, serving, healthy fellowship, and accountability.  The Holy Spirit shows up when I do my part to show up equipped!  Do I always see the fruit?  No!  My shortcomings get in the way.  However, I am learning to yield more quickly everyday.  The Fruit of the Spirit is our “stealth ammunition” in time of need!

Lord, may there be more of you and less of me every day!  

Joyfully Healing from the Inside Out,