“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16 NLT
Have you ever felt that you have come under a sudden attack out of nowhere, and you are in such a state that the best you can do is stand steady with the shield of faith as your only protection? Like the rug has been jerked out from under you, or that you have had a sucker punch to the gut? I think it is more difficult when the source is unexpected. Regardless, having the shield of faith ready, and suited up in God’s full armor is our best protection…
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT
I want to say that I haven’t had the scenario that I described above happen to me too many times; but each time that I began to type those words, I realized that, over the years, it has happened more often than I might have preferred! Sometimes, we share the Good News and are met with resistance. Sometimes, our view disagrees with those of the same faith we share. Neither is easy.
I am a peace-loving person that often wants to avoid confrontation at all costs; however, when your views seem to be in the minority, you are likely to be met with resistance at some level. We must remember that, whether the resistance is minor, or the persecution is great, our struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil in a dark world rather than against the flesh and blood beside, or in front of, us. [ref. vs. 12 above] That is hard to fathom; but when met by a stranger celebrating sin, or encountering a friend that feels more like the enemy at times, it’s hard to keep that in perspective.
This spring has been met with a variety of emotions. We have had beautiful weather with beach-like winds and sunshine. We have heard birds singing and frogs croaking. We have felt the effects of family suffering. We have experienced the death and aftermath of a family member. We have celebrated a family wedding on one side, and look forward to a new addition on the other!
Personally, I have been through some significant learning (or RE-learning)! In that in-depth learning leading up to Easter, I was reminded of God’s love for me that is so personal and fierce that it can conquer any fear of rejection because He is the One who can truly and purely love me—for me…for He created me.
I had a renewed realization that I don’t want to go anywhere without the presence of God. I gained a fresh perspective of His presence with me.
I gained a deeper insight of how Jesus didn’t defend Himself when questioned before His death. He confirmed who He was. He didn’t apologize for who He was. Yet, He didn’t give a defense of His actions. Sometimes silence is the best answer.
I considered how much Jesus loved His circle of friends and family members, but He still took time to step away to pray (and I’m sure—refresh). He didn’t love them any less by stepping away; but I have no doubt that it enabled Him to better minister to them and others that He came in contact with. I recognized that, although I have made this a practice of my own, I need to better trust the process of not being instantly available on every occasion.
I practiced patience and felt a renewed comfort in trusting God’s timing.
I experienced prayers answers and loads lifted.
(You’ll love this one!) I was reminded to “mind my own business” and was happy to do so! [“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11] In addition, if God is in my plans (or someone else’s), no one can stop them…no matter the ‘plot’ against. [“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,” Acts 5:38-39 ESV]
This spring, I found new life in the midst of the good and the hard because God has brought peace and protection. He has brought beauty and bounty…I had a perfect day for strawberry picking from a beautiful patch in my home county in West Virginia.
Yes, there has been turmoil at times, but God is faithful. My victory is in Jesus 100%! My surrender is met with joy and peace, love and laughter, and victory over sin because He is my Redeemer!
I don’t have to wonder where I stand as long as I choose Him daily…as long as I trust Him to the end…and with His help, I plan to do so.
So then, you see that my springtime has been full of variety and victory. Even if the situation is minor in the grand scheme of things, but I feel I’ve been beat up or punched in the face (so to speak), He gives rest…and I look around and realize that perhaps, I have been able to stand with the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God! [ref. vs. 14 above] …which, by the way, God reminded me does not need defended…just presented. I look around again and realize that (because of Him), I have been able to stand my ground in the midst of what felt like direct hits and jolts to the armor…and I am still standing (because of Him).
Let me encourage you, friend, that if you are following Jesus, stand firm until the end. Put on the belt of truth, and practice it. Take up the shield of faith, and let it be your protection.
Celebrate truth.
Celebrate victory because of Jesus.
“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” Hebrews 3:12-14 NLT [emphasis mine]
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, I invite you to do so. Ask Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart. Tell someone. Take up the Sword of the Spirit [ref. vs. 14 above] and choose to follow Him daily.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 KJV
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 ESV
~THAT~ is worth celebrating!!
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 