Sunday, July 6, 2014

By: Rebecca Landry

Is Your Armor On?

Ephesians 6:13 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.

Sunday mornings have a history of being rough. It seems as though there is always SOMETHING that comes up to make it more difficult to get to church.  A recent Sunday morning was ALMOST stress free --- until we made it to the parking lot!

After telling my little boy that he had to leave his plastic egg in the car, he had an all-out MELTDOWN. He went from cooperative to hooligan in two seconds flat. I struggled with him through the parking lot and to the door of church. Embarrassing and frustrating to say the least!

When we finally got him calmed down, I walked into church soaking with sweat. The first thing I thought was "Thank God I used men's deodorant this morning!" I understood that my wimpy lady stuff just would not have given me the protection needed for my parking lot battle in the Louisiana heat!

This experience made me think about today's scripture in which we are encouraged to put on the WHOLE armor of God ... to "suit up" for battle. Although the battles we face daily aren't physical fights, things do come our way with the potential to knock us off of our feet IF we aren't prepared. They may come in the form of a cranky boss, a flat tire on your way to something important, or hearing some false rumors about yourself.

Going through our days without a firm grasp on God's Word is like using a wimpy deodorant. Sadly, our responses to challenges often stink! The good news is God is our shield, our protection! On our own we are weak, in Him we are STRONG!

I challenge you to start your day with time in prayer, knowing that the conflicts you face will have NO power over you with God on your side!  

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me what I need to face life's hardships. Equip me with your truth to defeat anything meant to harm me.  

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Do you feel ready to face trials OR are you walking around without your armor on?