Tomorrow my son will march in his first parade. His part is to beat the base drum at the direction of his band leader. Well that seems easy enough right? Well did I mention that he injured his leg today? Yes, tomorrow my boy will be the marching wounded. He will have to carry the weight of his base drum on his shoulders, while marching forward with a wounded knee, all at the command of his drum major.
Oh how often we are called to march despite and in spite of our life inflicted wounds. Keep marching. Keep moving forward to the instruction of the band leader. Regardless of what we have to carry or how long the route, we the marching wounded are given the charge to move valiantly ahead.
How? How do you get the air punched out of you and then just get back up? How? How do you hold together all of the fragments of your shattered heart and still keep your place in line?Disappointment has come knocking far too many times. Countless nights lying awake on your tear soaked pillow. How? A family member that knows exactly where to verbally or emotionally blindside you, has yet again given you that one, two punch that makes you ask, "why even bother?" How? The one you loved the most, has hurt you the worst. You put on your smile and best face, because there are no words to explain. Plus why risk judgement or ridicule. Or even worst....advice. Broken to the point of actually being able to feel your heart breaking.
I believe there are seasons in everyone's life when it seems the darkness will never end. During that time it may feel so desolate, so final that you find yourself questioning if there was something you did wrong in the past that you're now being punished for. Don't despair my friend. You are not alone. For we have a friend that has promised to contend with that which contends with us. No, you have not been left alone as you march wounded. In the darkest hour, He knows and sees evey tear that falls. He sees you and will come to comfort you right where you are.
Peace is not the absence of trouble. Its the presence of God. The saviour is not just some mystical being floating in the outer regions, conjured up by a highly animated state. The real and true presence of God is right there where you are. Yes, right there with you, right where you are right now. He is our friend. He listens. He wipes away every tear. His desire is to spend as much time with you as possible. He wants to know your every thought, fear, worry, desire and need. And better than that, he wants to fulfill your desires and calm your fears. He understands when you're lonely, afraid, hurt, jealous, angry, feeling neglected. God knows everything about you. Everything...and yet he still considers you to be the apple of his eye. It doesnt get any better than that!
There is not a pause button for life. Oh how I sometimes wish there were. It would be wonderful to be able to take a breather to regroup and activate your plan B. But there is something better. While marching wounded, God has joined you in convenant relationship. This means He understands every scrape, bruise, and injury that life has inflicted on you. He understands that you sometimes feel like damaged goods. That you may belive you are what has happened to you. God understands. He is there to guide you. To love on you when life has made you believe you're unlovable. He will walk with you through the entire journey, lovingly guiding you through every twist, turn and pothole as you march wounded. Wouldn't it just be quicker and easier if he would just heal the wound? Well, yes it would. But then you wouldn't know the drum major so intimately, if you didn't have to march wounded.
What wound are you tending to? What is the drum major desiring from you during this season in your life? Have you become stagnant, or immobile because its just too painful to forge ahead? The drum major is commanding your attention, preparing you for the start of the parade. For you see my friend, you must march wounded in order to experience the cheering crowds and fanfare awaiting you. Your victory and healing is in your marching until your no longer wounded.
Yours In the Battle
