The Fight

I don't know about yall, but man it's been a roller coaster of crazy things happening lately. I feel like I've been in a boxing ring without much of a reprieve to catch my breath. Anyone else? I ask this, but I already know the answer for some because it seems like many of us have been in a knock-out, drag-out fight with life. You think you have a moment to catch your breath and then you get sucker punched in the side which completely knocks the wind out of you, and all those stars are dancing in front of your eyes. I've been chatting with some of my friends and they have all been expressing some cumbersome things they are dealing with/going through. I can't tell you how much my prayer life has been amplified due to the increase of so many prayers being lifted up for those I love. This afternoon as I was spending some time in prayer, I asked the Lord why in the world all of these things were happening to those who love you tremendously. He gently responded with, "How's your armor, kid?"

*Ding ding ding* the bell rang loudly in my ear. It all became clear in that moment with the Lord's question which then led me to Ephesians. Ephesians 6:10-19 says this, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." What we may think we are battling in the physical, is happening in the spiritual, there is a war going on for our very souls. 1 Peter 5:8-11 paints a pretty clear picture of what the enemy is wanting to do every day, "Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does." I read that the enemy is always on the prowl, and I also read that all of us are going to go through hard times, but what I also read at the end is that the Lord sets our feet firmly down and He gets the final say! I don't know about you but that AMPS me up!

So, my friends, how is your armor? Are you weary from battle? Is it because you're trying to rely on your own strength? Because if that's the case, I can guarantee you that you will indeed stumble and fall because our strength doesn't come from our own being, but from the Lord; the final conqueror in the fight. The Lord really challenged me today, He challenged me to check my armor, to see where I may be lacking or missing something. The last thing I need is a fiery dart flying through the air and finding where I'm lacking in protection. There's one very important part that I want to make very clear in this when you read about the armor it says nothing about our backs being protected. Now, I am no scholar and I didn't dig too deep into this one so these are my thoughts. What I know is that we are in a battle together as believers in Christ, and if we have each others' backs, then they in turn are protected. We need each other, that's why prayer is so vital in all of this. Prayer covers our friends, it stands in the gap for them when they are weary from battle, fighting to stand and hold fast in the face of the enemy. I don't want to be the cause of a friend falling because I failed to pray and stand fast with them in their time of need, even if I myself am weary at that time. I have full confidence that there is someone standing in the gap for me, praying for me to gain the strength I need to continue on. This is a call to arms my friend. We are in tough times, but that isn't an excuse to hide and let someone else handle it just because it's not your fight. No, this is the time to stand firm, link arms, and press forward. The battle is the Lord's, He has already gone before us to prepare the way. So check your armor, my friends. The fight is here, what will you choose?