Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. —Ephesians 6:11 KJV
The world can be a hard place. We might often feel like we are on the front line. But God gives us armor to wear. I share my thoughts here and encourage you to pray to your God for your own insight.
I believe that wearing the armor of God can mean many things, and this is awesome. God’s armor can be avoiding things that are bad (no matter how tempting they can be). For instance, it could be anything from keeping the choice to quit something during Lent, or not indulging in too much chocolate at one time (or whatever else is bad in excess), to avoiding extremely bad movies (when I say bad I don’t mean poorly done—I mean watching scenes that momentarily fill one’s mind with horrible thoughts or scenes so violent you wish you had never watched them).
God gives reassurance as well as both a strength to overcome the moment of temptation and a supernatural strength to not even want what had previously been tempting. I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Without God’s armor, I would become lost. I thank God for his grace. I thank the Mother, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit for truth and light.
This armor of God can also mean handling situations appropriately. For instance, it could be not telling someone how annoying they are being so as not to hurt their feelings; or, knowing when to say something and to do so kindly. It could be accepting (or silently not accepting) criticism even when it is not requested. This armor is strong, protective, and kind.
It is important for each of us to remain aware that it is there. It is holding me upright! I may take a deep breath and make a conscious effort to relax the body and mind. Then, feel the armor, the sword in my hand, the cross, the white light. It’s not always easy to remember it’s there—especially in the heat of the moment. And, after all—we are only human. But, we can try. Perhaps truly KNOWING it is there at all times is the key.
God’s armor is there, helping us stay calm when someone is treating us poorly—no matter how bad it is in the moment. And it even allows us to be vulnerable (yes, this, too, is God’s armor—because of the faith that he will take care of us). Another example is having the courage to admit when we are wrong. The best thing to do is pray on it—it works.
Wearing God’s armor can also mean standing up for beliefs. For instance, it could be anything from praying in public or fighting “the system” by declaring our God-given rights in an intellectual conversation or by civil disobedience. It can also be expressing ourselves through art—like writing stories or writing this blog. God bless America for our freedom of speech! Thank you, Jesus! It might be through painting, creating music, or any other art form—anything to express yourself.
Lastly, it means being strong in service. This incorporates two things for me. First, trying to do my assignments the best I can (like helping a friend, or doing my job). Second, always taking time to work on things that fulfill my purpose here on earth.
We can walk in the Holy Spirit. It’s not always easy, but we can try our best because He is always with us. I am thankful the armor of God helps me.
Much of faith, is giving up control. The battle belongs to God.
God’s armor protects you against your own mind. The disbelief, the fear. God’s armor protects you from overpowering emotions such as low self-esteem, feeling unloved or unimportant, sadness and anxiety. God’s armor is truth—truth in our conscious minds, knowing everything will be okay because God truly loves us no matter what. And, loving Him, He helps us help Him.
It’s all about love.
I’ve decided to share a couple short stories that touch on these things. They are children’s stories but can be read by adults alike. They’re from A-Z Bedtime Stories. One is titled Ozzie and the other, Denise. Look for them in the next blogs (categorized under short stories). The full collection is listed on Twilight Letters Home Page under Celia Blake's e-books—if you'd like to upload it, click on the link. In the future, it will be available directly from TwilightLetters.com.
Remember—God loves you. You are free, eternal, whole, safe, secure, capable, strong, smart! You are enough, you are worthy, inspiring, encouraging, appreciated, respected, talented, creative, grounded, healthy, wise, able, beautiful, harmonious, intuitive, connected, brave and blessed!
Peace and love,
Tracy
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