Life is filled with situations that leave us feeling vulnerable.

Physically, we seek protection by carrying an umbrella, living in a house, having insurance......

Something inside of us realizes that alone we are weak, defenseless, in need of help.

Spiritually, we need protection too.

The Bible makes it very clear that the devil is prowling around, longing to sneak up on us and catch us when we are weak.

Spiritual warfare is as real as a the thunderclouds that build over our heads or the dark of night that comes every 12 hours without fail.

What do we do to protect ourselves spiritually???????

As I was reading this morning in I Peter 3:5, I was struck by this verse,

And through your faith,

God is protecting you by his power

until you receive this salvation,

which is ready to be revealed on the

last day for all to see.

I read this verse over and over.

Through our FAITH we are protected by God's power.

Faith.

Believing in what we do not see.

Knowing that there is more to this world than "this world."

Loving Jesus whom we have never met.

Worshipping God whom we have never seen.

Understanding that there are many things we will never understand........

while we're here.....

and being okay with this truth.

Faith.

"The substance of things hoped for."

Last night was the annual Christmas play at our church.

As the play ended, we bowed our heads to pray.

I couldn't help peeking up at the kids across the stage, and I hope it was okay to snap this shot during a prayer.

I thought it was priceless.

Joseph praying...and even a shepherd praying in the background.

The animals may not "get it," but Joseph knew.........

and the shepherd knew.

They were in the presence of the King.

And I have to believe that Joseph's faith carried all the dangers surrounding Jesus' birth just as Mary carried the Son of God.

Is your faith carrying you today?

This is the first Christmas since Nick passed away that we are spending the holiday at home.

I have to make a daily choice to  either focus on the sadness of Nick not being here or on the reality and joy of knowing he is already HOME!!

I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Nick is doing great and that one day I will hug him and everything I have missed will be restored and made beautiful.

In God's time.

If your Christmas lacks someone you love and you find the season painful, I am praying that you will allow your faith to carry you through each day of holidays.

God longs to protect you.

And as we enter 2012, let's remember these powerful words that follow the verse above.

So be truly glad.

There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-

though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.

So when your faith remains strong through many trials,

it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

I Peter 1:6-7