Once upon a time, I let my armor get dusty.

It was a familiar scene—a busy morning on the verge of chaos as our family prepared for a day of work and school. In the midst of dashing out the door it was discovered that someone forgot something. Our fast-forward lives came to a screeching halt with a muttered, what did we forget this time? And as we scrambled back into the house for books, a lunch box, keys or sunglasses, I too often missed what was leaning right by the door: my suit of armor.

Without fail, when faced with a stressful situation without my “suit”, my self would jump in and react before the mind and heart of my Lord could respond.

Never a good thing.

Paul writes in Ephesians 6:14-17, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation which is the word of God.”

Even now, when I don’t have little ones to corral each day, I have to work to stay battle-ready. The ole’ shield of faith seems to collect dust at an alarming rate.

The thing is, I want to be ready each day. I long to tune my heart with my Lord’s.

But—and here comes the whiny part—getting up extra-early is, um…not fun.

And somewhat…inconvenient.

In fact, no matter what time of day is best for prayer and study, there is actual effort involved.

But what is more difficult? Making time for personal study and quiet time, or facing daily challenges and worldly battles without the full armor of my Lord?

Verse 11 of chapter six speaks to why this readiness is so vitally important: “…so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

The line has been drawn.

The enemy is ready and waiting.

Are we?

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God… Ephesians 6:10, 11a

Oh Father, thank you for providing me with exactly what I need to face each new day. Help me to remember that You are my readiness, You are my strength. I love you, Jesus!

Have a blessed week!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂