Full Armor
I am not in the military, nor are any close family members. In my heritage, I have family members who served my country, and I am thankful for them, as well as the millions of others, who have served to protect my freedoms here in America.
In the kingdom of God, we are all conscripted into an army. What could be seen as a bad thing – and being forced, drafted or the like, is beyond unpleasant – is not for the army of God.
The battles faced in this army are real, fierce, meant to rob, kill and destroy (John 10:10). While some are not seen with the eye, they are no less real as they attack the heart, soul, mind, and strength. It’s part of the schemes of the devil to take us down – no matter the cost or method.
However, we are not left to wander, wonder or defenseless. We have a Warrior God (Exodus 15:3), and He has given us the weaponry we need to engage in the battle. It’s called the armor of God. Upon enlisting in His army, we are given (as shown in Ephesians 6:10-18):
• Helmet of salvation
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Belt of truth
• Shoes for our feet which are filled with peace
• Shield of faith
• Sword of the Spirit
Paul’s writes out this list beautifully for us so we do not have to scrounge around for the armor or wonder what it contains. Are they really physical elements of armor, you may be asking? Yes and no.
At one point in my younger parenting days, I was feeling defeated. I was struggling to keep my eyes on Jesus. We were learning the armor of God in our homeschool and had made the various pieces as an example. Quite fun for young children; including the singing of I May Never March in the Infantry, complete with hand motions and armor.
My children had their own set of armor and found joy in knowing they were in the army of the Lord, even at such a young age. About a week into this lesson, I began to realize I was not using my own armor. I had memorized the passages, had sung the song, helped make the mini sizes for my children, but left myself out, for some reason. And I was going down fast.
It was my faith. I was faltering, putting my eyes on circumstances and self. Anywhere but where I should put them. Are we told where to put our eyes?
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Instead of fixing my eyes of faith on Jesus, I was letting them wander to my right, my left and forward to the unknown. I was allowing myself to be fearful and anxious rather than using my shield of faith. Once I realized what I had been doing, I set about making myself a little shield – one I could put next to my heart. Literally.
I wore my shield for the better part of a week. It was a physical reminder to use this weapon. And to use it hourly, daily, and weekly. It helped tremendously and it bolstered my faith. The funny thing, I do not remember exactly what was troubling me, but I do remember this act of faith.
About five years ago, I had to make another shield. Instead of wearing it, I stuck it in the mirror so I could see it throughout the day – I saw it often, for weeks. Again, the circumstances are a blur, but the act of obedience is embedded in my heart.
God equips His children with the right tools and as Commander-in-Chief He has extraordinary orders. Normally the strategy is to get the troops to move into position. But not in God’s army under His command. He commands us to stand. Period. Put on the armor, and stand. While standing we are instructed to pray.
It is here we see how important prayer is. Out of all the things a soldier could be doing – prayer is the call to action. The power of prayer unleashes much. We are in communion with our Warrior God, standing and watching Him move while we stand in prayer.
Does this sound awkward? Impossible? Not enough?
We need not worry. With God at the helm, fighting our battles, we need not fretnor engage in the blood bath. Our job is to stand, watch and pray. And that is enough. More than enough because we are doing it in obedience to a holy, righteous God Almighty.
Father, Warrior God. Thank You for fighting my battles for me. I do recognize my inability to fight on my own – even as I attempt it, I falter and fail. Please forgive these missteps. I truly want to put on the armor, stand and pray. I want to watch You at work, watch You fight and see the victory. You are the Victor. Always. Praise God!
