Equipped For Battle
After graduating with an Associate’s in General Studies, I decided to test the waters by working as a teacher’s aide before pursuing a degree in education. For a person like me who suffered from trauma, it took me longer to graduate than the general population, who were not in an abusive situation or had suffered from any form of abuse, such as PTSD or CPTSD. Or ACEs. I lived with all of the above. I imagined myself teaching kindergarten students their ABCs; being “A Teacher” was exciting, but God had a different plan for me. Yes, He assigned me to work as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional. I was a perfect candidate for the job, but I didn’t know that then. I was sixty years old and planned to spend my last days as a Kindergarten teacher.
The first day was rough, but the second day, I drove home crying uncontrollably. A student had an emotional/mental breakdown and was carefully walked out by her parents. She spent about a month in a crisis center. I was triggered, and taken back to the time when the Women’s Ministry at my church invited me to an event where I had to be practically carried out due to a mental breakdown, the same as the student when I learned the truth that I was being emotionally and spiritually abused. When I asked the speaker if she could help me, she said her fee was $400 per hour. I left that place feeling helpless and hopeless.
I do not ask for monetary donations on Day’s Journey. Jesus went out and healed people with low incomes, those in need, and delivered captives from evil spirits. No one should be denied access to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 55 says, “Come, those who are thirsty, drink; those who do not have money, come, eat.” (paraphrased). However, if you want to give in honor of the LORD, through Day’s Journey, there are plenty of resources on the Resource Page to offer, such as “The Wounded Warrior Project,” I give monthly in honor of my son’s father, who fought for our Country.
I prayed that night, asking God to lead me elsewhere; I didn’t think I had enough education or a degree to work with students who had special emotional needs. I was worn out from my trauma, and like Moses, I was ready to go out to the pasture. But I was quickly reminded that God called Moses out of his comfort zone and into the battlefield.
I thought I was ready to retire quietly, working with little humans and writing stories about the adventures of Mahle, Millo, Joppa, and Friends. The problem is that man makes plans, but the LORD directs his steps. The LORD of Heaven’s Army was preparing me to go out into the battlefield for these children, but not by my strength, or by my might, but by His Spirit.
Also, Gideon was comfortable hiding behind his fears when the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “The LORD is with you, valiant warrior.” Judges 6:12, and Joshua, after Moses died, the LORD said in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I imagine a student suited in the armor of God, and I call them by the name, “Valiant Warrior, or Mighty man of God, ” or ” Mighty warrior.
Equipped for the Battle
Opening Prayer:
Lord, thank You for never sending us unprepared into the battles of life. You clothe us in mercy, truth, and strength. Teach us to wear Your armor not as heavy burdens, but as garments of grace — light, fitted, and forged in love. Amen.
Scripture:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11
Reflection:
When I first entered the classroom as a Special Education Paraprofessional, I didn’t realize that I was walking onto sacred ground — a place where spiritual battles are fought quietly every day, not with weapons but with patience, prayer, and love.
Each morning, I put on the Armor of God, not out of ritual, but necessity. The belt of truth reminds me who I am in Christ. The breastplate of righteousness guards my heart against discouragement. The shoes of peace help me walk gently through chaos. The shield of faith protects me from fiery darts of doubt. The helmet of salvation keeps my mind anchored in grace. And the sword of the Spirit — His Word — reminds me that victory has already been won.
Some days, I feel weary, but then I remember: it’s not my strength that sustains me, but His. The battlefield is not about fighting for victory, but fighting from victory — because Christ has already conquered.
Prayer:
LORD, thank You for the armor You provide. Help me wear it daily with humility and faith. Let truth guard my lips, love rule my actions, and peace guide my steps. Strengthen me to stand firm, not in fear, but in the confidence of Your Spirit.
Sacred Pause:
Breathe deeply. Feel His covering — the unseen armor of grace surrounding you. You are protected, chosen, and equipped for every moment before you.
Journal Prompt:
What piece of God’s armor do you most need to “put on” today? How can you walk in greater awareness of His protection in your daily calling?