We shared before how thankful we have been for this mini plot of green outside our Tokyo apartment. Especially through last year's Covid's "lock down" days we enjoyed being outside and seeing the blue sky in the our valley of buildings. And even from inside our home, we can look out through big windows at budding potted plants. It has been a source of life and peace in the midst of this difficult year.
I know this has not been an easy season for any of us. And to be honest I am more than ready for it to be over. In much of the West I hear of life starting to return to some sort of normal and the end of the Covid tunnel in sight.
But here in the East it's a different story. Covid life continues and restrictions have intensified. Weary is a word we often hear from us and our workers. Through this weariness I've realized the Enemy can tempt me to despair. To fight off this discouragement, I've had to arm myself with the weapon of truth and wrap it securely around me, binding me in, secure and steadfast.
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything to stand. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
