“Putting on the Full Armor”

You wouldn’t think of leaving your house without putting on clothes, brushing your teeth, dabbing on a little deodorant (Please!), or combing your hair, would you? Before shutting and locking the front door, we always give one last look around to make sure we’ve made the bed (okay, maybe that’s taking it too far), check to see that our lights, oven, TV, are all off, right? As we get in the car, don’t we click our seatbelt into place, adjust the mirrors, and check the gas gauge?

Well, if we are such sensible people, then why do we all too often head out the door to begin our day and not pray for the full armor of Christ? How foolish that can be. No wonder we get beaten down and weary!

Ephesians 6:14-17 “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

These are battle clothes! These are not clothes you simply just slip into like some kind of comfy PJ’s, but these are battle gear that a warrior intentionally puts on piece by piece. These are garments for those who understand that as a Christian they enter into spiritual warfare and need protection from the enemy. So tighten that belt of truth so to not be blown around by every crazy wind of doctrine out there. Be in the truth and be aware, in order to keep you from the traps that Satan has ready for you to step in. Place the breastplate on and have it cover your heart and soul; remembering the righteousness of Christ dwells within you. Let nothing false be found in you, and be holy as God is holy. Have your feet stand on the Rock of Jesus and be ready to go out and share His Good News with a dark and dying world. Pick up the shield of faith to block those lies and comments that are meant to wound or distract you. Although you have been saved for eternity, there is a battle going for your mind, so protect it from the filth of this world. Read God’s word daily so you will know it inside and out and trust in it when you need a specific word for that situation.

For me, I have found that the best time to pray for God’s strength is the ten minutes before I enter the door of my work each morning. I sit in my parked car and ask the Lord to shine brightly through me that day. I ask that He help me be kindhearted, patient, and caring. I want God to help me be a prayer warrior for those I encounter throughout the day (both for the delightful and the more prickly kinds of people- and for those who want my prayers and those who may not). I know the Lord’s grace and truth meet me everyday anew, and so I can easily give it out. Certainly there are some days I do need to ask for it a bit more than other days. I pray for continued integrity and to keep my heart from any callousness, bitterness or choosing to not “quickly” forgive others. I also pray the Holy Spirit will direct my tongue in lovely words only.

Whether you are young or facing your golden years, God is using you, working through you and the enemy knows it! You MUST be proactive and find that special place to meet with God. I honestly don’t think this is an option, certainly if you want to make a difference in your Christian walk, then this is the battle gear that must be donned every single day! So let us each get dressed for the day!

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.