Armor Up!
I wrote this in my journal back in the beginning of March and wanted to share it here, as a reminder of both the struggle and battle of life and the faithfulness and protection of our God. I actually envisioned it as a blog post...So without further adieu:
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” -Ephesians 6:11
As I have pondered and meditated (tried to...?) these verses over the last while, first before the Dominican Republic mission trip and most recently at JCC small group, I’m just now really thinking about how when I pray, I don’t see it as “taking up armor”. But it totally is!
ESPECIALLY since getting married, my eyes have been more opened to the very real reality of an enemy, and a battle that takes place every single day. More than that, it’s not just a battle for my faith and salvation; it’s a battle for my mind.
My heart.
My attention.
My devotion.
My idols, whatever they are.
My marriage.
My attitude.
My spirit.
My thoughts.
My emotions.
And so on...
I think I need to start filling my mind with these two truths: 1. Prayer is very much a weapon that can be used to fight the devil. 2. The battle has already been won!!!
Spiritually, I have had some pretty dark moments recently. Moments of deep hurt and deep longing for breakthrough. Moments where I’ve asked my husband if marrying me was worth it. Moments where I’ve begged and pleaded with God for deliverance...deliverance from myself and my sin. I’m not where I want to be, and some days still have dark moments. But I need to- I know I need to- continually remember to speak the name of Jesus against my struggles. He is the only one that can bring the peace and clarity I need.
There will be more hard times ahead, although now I can happily say things are definitely in more of an upswing. The kinks and the teething pains of marriage are, although still present, becoming less traumatic and awful and more manageable and “shapable” into teachable moments (Some days are still easier than others...pride does NOT mess around in a marriage). It’s still daunting- the difficulty of marriage- but becoming less surprising. We are sinful people, but we are growing in sanctification, and like any strong relationship, it takes work. I am doing my best to work on me, and that starts with me.
Armor up! The battle is real and all too powerful. God is more, though, and even though it will take time, effort, and prayer, I believe one day redemption will come.
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” -Ephesians 6:11
As I have pondered and meditated (tried to...?) these verses over the last while, first before the Dominican Republic mission trip and most recently at JCC small group, I’m just now really thinking about how when I pray, I don’t see it as “taking up armor”. But it totally is!
ESPECIALLY since getting married, my eyes have been more opened to the very real reality of an enemy, and a battle that takes place every single day. More than that, it’s not just a battle for my faith and salvation; it’s a battle for my mind.
My heart.
My attention.
My devotion.
My idols, whatever they are.
My marriage.
My attitude.
My spirit.
My thoughts.
My emotions.
And so on...
I think I need to start filling my mind with these two truths: 1. Prayer is very much a weapon that can be used to fight the devil. 2. The battle has already been won!!!
Spiritually, I have had some pretty dark moments recently. Moments of deep hurt and deep longing for breakthrough. Moments where I’ve asked my husband if marrying me was worth it. Moments where I’ve begged and pleaded with God for deliverance...deliverance from myself and my sin. I’m not where I want to be, and some days still have dark moments. But I need to- I know I need to- continually remember to speak the name of Jesus against my struggles. He is the only one that can bring the peace and clarity I need.
There will be more hard times ahead, although now I can happily say things are definitely in more of an upswing. The kinks and the teething pains of marriage are, although still present, becoming less traumatic and awful and more manageable and “shapable” into teachable moments (Some days are still easier than others...pride does NOT mess around in a marriage). It’s still daunting- the difficulty of marriage- but becoming less surprising. We are sinful people, but we are growing in sanctification, and like any strong relationship, it takes work. I am doing my best to work on me, and that starts with me.
Armor up! The battle is real and all too powerful. God is more, though, and even though it will take time, effort, and prayer, I believe one day redemption will come.
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