Solving the case of the armor of God and the situation when there are holes in our armor when it comes to our families.
13 "Therefore put on the full 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17
Are you ready for war? There is no doubt that every day is a battle in Christ somehow. We are busier than ever in our society, and our kids are faced with issues of mental health crisis, depression, anxiety and too much being thrown at them at once. So what about our kids? If we have any holes in our armor and we cannot stand strong, how can we properly encourage them in Jesus? This armor-list is also very long, how are we supposed to keep this in mind at all times and circumstances?
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.."(Ephesians 6:14). Notice the belt of truth holds all the rest of these things together? How do we get the truth? Spending time with Jesus in his Word. Because-- Jesus is the "author and perfecter of our faith."(Hebrews 12:2) It may seem difficult to spend time with God because we may be so busy and mentally spent that the idea of even trying to think about deep truths from the Bible seems like too much for you ( I have been there!). Sometimes, all we need is to sit at Jesus' feet and allow Him to give us that "peace that surpasses understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
He loves you and cares for you and loves and craves every second with you. You won't miss anything for spending time with him but you will miss everything if he's not taking an active role in your life. Be strong for our kids- and let's all sit at Jesus' feet daily!
Pour your Spirit out on all of these parents, Lord. Let us not lack in any part of our armor that we will be able to "stand our ground, and after doing everything- to stand" in You. Release so much of Your love and Spirit out to give them the peace that "surpasses" all their understanding-- blow their minds, Lord as they sit at your feet, Jesus. Bless these people seeing this here with your love, peace, and the wisdom to know what to do in the lives of their families! In Jesus Name, amen.
(By the way, the only way we can have "feet fitted with the gospel of God's peace" is if we spend time with Him daily. We will KNOW His wonderful peace and be able to be strengthened despite what we are going through, and our challenges, all to show God's light and peace everywhere we go. I don't know about you, but I need Jesus if I'm going to conquer my day for my kids needs AND outreach to others in the boldness and strength God calls us to have. "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16)
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