The Armor of God

” Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. 11 Put on God’s full armor so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore, put on the whole armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always pray for all the Lord’s people. 19Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Eph. 6).

One day I walked into the college cafeteria, and I intentionally greeted the cook; he looked frustrated and seemed a bit edgy. When I smiled, he impatiently asked what I wanted him to make for me. I asked him if he remembered me. 

He said, “no, but if you remind me, I will.” 

I thought maybe it wasn’t the right time, but I felt in my heart that he needed to be encouraged, so I said, 

“Four years ago, I came in here confused and discouraged. I told you that coming back to school might have been a mistake, and you said,” but before I could finish talking, eyes lit up, and at the same time, we both quoted,

 “Trust in the Lord, and He will make all things work out for the good of those who love Him.” 

He smiled the same beautiful smile he had four years ago and said, “I am right where God wants me!” I smiled with tears in my eyes, and with great respect, I said, “Yes, you are Sir, you have been a delight and encourager to us all”!

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

 Romans 8:28-30.

Another instance was when my ex-husband and I argued while driving to Subway for lunch. I was so angry the whole truck shook when I slammed the door shut. When I walked into the store, a young teenager was hitting things behind the counter; he was angry but also looked distressed. I felt something or someone was oppressing him, something much more profound. I began to ask the Lord what I should do because this was beyond my understanding. I sensed this was spiritual warfare, and I had no clue how to help him.

When he asked what my order was, I noticed he had a bracelet with the inscription: WWJD. I knew what it meant, but I remembered reading it in my Jesus Calling Devotional that morning. When I am afraid or confused, I say, “Jesus.” I felt like I needed to get this young man to say, “Jesus,” so I acted clueless and asked him what it meant. He looked at his bracelet and said, “What Would Jesus Do,” When he said Jesus’ name, I saw his demeanor instantly transform, as though something had left his body. His eyes lit up as he smiled the biggest smile ever; he knew what I was doing and why I had to have him say the name of the Lord. I was also delivered because the Lord was there for both of us.

The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.” Luke 22:38. 

Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling, where I have allowed Fear to keep me from walking through doors the Lord had opened for me. I have mourned the loss of opportunities, and Regret was always there, reminding me of what I could have been or done. He will tell you that you missed the mark; you are not essential or valued where you are now. I am guessing these men were feeling the weight of their regrets, as I have done so many times.

I have finally learned that whatever I do in the Lord after all these years, I am right where He wants me, either to be an encourager or to be encouraged by another brother or sister in Christ. No one is more valuable or favored by God except His Son, and these virtues are in Him whom we place our trust in and draw from Him. It doesn’t matter my stature or where He puts me. As long I am confident in His love for me, I can be wholly His.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ” Proverbs 27: 17