war, no more

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There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
...a time for war and a time for peace. 
-Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8 

There is satisfaction in knowing that Nietzsche was right: That which does not kill us makes us stronger.  Muscles are strengthened and passions are ignited in battle. Defending something makes you realize how much you love it.

Yes, there is a time for war.
A time to stand up and fight,
to make your presence known and your voice heard.

There is also a time for peace. Not necessarily the peace of this world, but there is peace in accepting that some wars will never be won.

There is relief in understanding it's time to walk away. In no longer being held captive by Satan's lie that those who retreat are cowards. In knowing that by refusing to engage, you can find rest under the heaviest onslaught of artillery.

There is hope that the Lord is your strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). That, as He did for the children of Israel as they faced the Red Sea, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:14). 

There is victory in realizing that God's purposes have prevailed. That when the opponent meant to harm you, God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).

There is comfort in knowing that in this - even in this! - you can count it all joy (James 1:2-4). 

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