The Sword of the Spirit: How God’s Word Fortifies Us in Grief
Grief is often accompanied by a myriad of temptations: anger, bitterness, fear, and despair, just to name a few. But God has provided us with everything we need to overcome these temptations, and to move forward in our sorrow with His strength. In this series, we will be studying the various pieces of our spiritual armor, and how each of these pieces uniquely equip us to cling to the hope we have been given in Christ.
“Can I say it to you again?”
My sweet husband asked me that question many times over the course of several months while he was working to memorize Romans 8. I had no idea how hearing this passage recited over and over would help me fight a battle bigger than I ever imagined.
When our unborn son was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, the pain was paralyzing. Many times, I couldn’t even bring myself to open my Bible. But as it says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” I would experience first hand in the months to come that the words that I had heard so many times weren’t just ink on a page, but they were living and active, and they pierced my own hurting and angry heart.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Recalling the truth of Scripture was rest for my weary soul, a balm for my hurting heart, and peace for my anxious mind. I vividly remember saying the words, “I just can’t do this.” Guess what? I was right. I couldn’t. But God could, and He did. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” The Lord fought for me then, He continues to fight for me now, and He will fight for you as well through His Word.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” Ephesians 6:13-17
When Paul is talking about the armor of God, he refers to the Word of God as the “sword of the Spirit.” It is the weapon that will be used to fight off the enemy, and is the only offensive weapon that is listed, therefore you might even imply that it is the only one needed.
If you think about how a soldier trains for battle, studying and caring for their weapon is of the utmost importance. They wouldn’t wait until the enemy is firing shots at them before familiarizing themselves with how to fight back. In the same way, we must know our own weapon, which is the sword, God’s Word. If we are diligent to hide His Word in our heart, we will be ready for battle when things get tough! In Matthew 4, when Satan tried to tempt Jesus in the desert, how did Jesus Himself fight back? He used God’s Word!
God’s Word is powerful, living, and active. It brings us hope and light when the world feels like it is crumbling around us. It is through His Word that God enables us to fight—and how He fight for us. Dear momma, no matter how big of a battle you feel like you’re facing, remember that God has equipped you with the best weapon. With His help, you can take up your sword and fight off the enemy today!
- Kacie Hunt
Hope Mom to Isaac
Kacie lives in Austin, Texas, and is the mommy of three precious daughters on earth and a sweet baby boy in heaven. She loves reading, coffee dates with her husband, Jonathan, and traveling with her family. She is passionate about helping women grow in biblical literacy and theology and is the cohost of the Adorned Podcast. She also blogs at www.kaciehunt.com.
We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.
Millie Mendoza
June 17, 2020 (8:11 am)
It was a blessing to read your testimony. I wish that I have the opportunity to share my testimony , when my husband passed away.