I have boots, a belt, breastplate, helmet, a shield and a sword… I even added gloves of sanctification and goggles of purity. But, my armor did not seem to be doing me any good. I was feeling empty, lost, uninspired, discouraged, mundane… I felt alone in my struggles. I felt like the people around me were not on the same page as me, not committed to the same things, not interested in what I thought was important. In fact, I still do feel that way. It is not a happy feeling. But my story is not all sad. I do have One who is always on my side. I brought my discouragement to Him and, in effect, told Him what I have told you. I prayed and asked Him for His spirit of love, light, peace, patience, joy and encouragement.
He gave me His sword.
That day, every scripture I turned to gave me strength and hope and reminded me of the details of the Fight:
Identify the enemy
My role in the battle
Who my allies are
What resources I have
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 )
“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15)
Are we not Kings? Read Psalm 21. Here is the middle verse – the best part: “For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.” (Psalms 21:7)
I hope you are well. No news is good news?
My love to you all…