Mary Letters - Day 35

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 

Dear Auntie, 

They came last night and banged on all the doors of houses and inns looking for baby boys. Fortunately they never thought to look in a humble cattle shed behind a regal looking inn. I never understood what God was doing with us, making me give birth in such circumstances but now I rejoice that they did not take my baby away. God is protecting us despite how it might appear to us and to the world. It gives me strength in these days, strength upon strength, knowing that God is guiding our every move and defending us against every foe. I will pray with boldness and sing with joy since God is working out the details. 

Joseph is packing and plotting. He feels it is too dangerous for us to stay here any longer. He has been talking to other men about countries and places that will give us safe passage and who welcome refugees. Can you imagine? Considering being a refugee, leaving the country of our births? Well. it has come to that because of the violence and hubris of one leader. With all the wealth and power one could ever accumulate, he still has to gather and harm the most vulnerable and weak!! And we have to take this precious baby further away from family, friends and everything we have ever known. Yesterday I would not have been strong enough. Today, God has given me the strength to face anything.

Keep us in your prayers. There probably won't be too many more letters until we are settled, although Joseph wants to wait a few days until everything is set. 

Much love,

Mary