Vulnerability

Vulnerability - open to moral attack, criticism, temptation etc.

- difficult to defend

- capable of being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon

Well shoot. Who the heck would want to be vulnerable when that is the definition? I know I sure as heck don't like being vulnerable. I have no desire to put myself out there and make myself look any smaller than I already feel or less put together than I show or talk about issues that might make me look like a selfish lying worthless person.

Lets just say that about 10 minutes ago I did something that made me very vulnerable. And I am reading those definitions over and over again and thinking I am going to need to board up my windows, plug my ears, tape my mouth shut and hold on for dear life because if vulnerability leads to those things then I am about as screwed as they come.

Okay well now lets sorta turn this definition around just a bit. "Capable of being wounded or hurt" aka the devil, "open to moral attack, temptation" aka the devil, "difficult to defend" NOT WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE! Sorry satan but that one isn't all you. Basically being vulnerable means the devil is just about ready to pounce, he is waiting until you have stepped out into the open field were there are no trees to duck behind and no camouflage to wear to hide yourself. So in the devil's eyes you are all his and he is so ready to attack that you can no longer stand up on your own and you no longer can tell lies from the truth. No need to fret because there is this other amazing guy out there who is ready to fight back if you let him aka God! Put on the armor that God has for you and walk out on that field with your shoulders back, head held high and proudly stomp over the devil and don't stop and don't look back. Instead of bording your windows board your heart, instead of plugging your ears unplug them to hear God's instructions, don't tape your mouth but cry out to Him so He can hear you. And yes you can still hold on for dear life because life is never smooth sailing.

What I want you to take away:

- be vulnerable...share your story

- you will help someone in need whether you realize it or not

- don't let the definition scare you

- remember that there are two sides to every story...in this case the devil and God

- put on your armor but don't shield out the one person who is willing to help you cross the battle field (God)

- and don't stop fighting until you feel so engulfed by the HolySpirit you can hardly contain your happiness

Joy comes from being vulnerable. Give it time and patience. Don't be afraid, don't be scared and don't freak out. Take deep breaths, close your eyes and let God grab you from the back of the shirt and pull you across that open field in the brightest colors you could possibly wear...who needs camouflage with God on our side?

Read: Ephesians 6: 10-18 "The Armor of God" - - - > Doesn't get much better than this folks!