Recap Review
Last week, I introduced the topic of reviewing the “armor of God,” as outlined in Ephesians 6…. How this isn’t just some “Christian-y” thing we say or quote… it is actual armor that is actually useful in protecting us & keeping us standing firm when life turns to chaos around us.
We NEED it. To review last week’s pieces: the belt of truth (growing your knowledge base of Truth from the only One Who truly has the right to determine what Truth is—the God Who made us all, by getting to know His Word to us—the Bible), the breastplate of righteousness (doing what His truth says, even when it doesn’t make sense to us, protecting ourselves from the destruction that comes naturally as a result of doing it our way instead), & the shoes of the gospel (good news) of peace (not living in anxiety-driven thought control, but moving forward with the understanding of all God gave through His power, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, & the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, guidance, & strength)….
To catch up fully, read last week’s post: “What Good Is the Armor of God? (Part 1/2).”
Let’s continue with the remaining pieces of this armor that God empowers & supplies.
Blocking Attacks by Trusting God Can Where I Can’t
“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
This shield of faith is amazing, because it’s not how big your faith is, but how big your God is. Figuratively holding up this shield to protect you, as if saying internally, “My God is bigger than this! My God is stronger than this! My God is ABLE!”
Remember, when the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, He reminded them that even the teensiest amount of faith can make miracles happen… because it is not reliant on how strongly you believe, but rather how WHOLLY you believe. (Luke 17:5-6)
Are you trusting Him + _____________________? Or do you put your whole stock wholly in Him as your true & only source? GOD ALMIGHTY?
Shaking & All… Hold Up That Shield!
It’s a faith that even says, “God, I don’t understand! God, this hurts! God, I want this to stop! But I know You are GOD & I am NOT, so help me to trust YOU more than what I SEE or FEEL.”
HOLD UP THAT SHIELD! Block those fiery arrows that satan tries to attack & hurt you with. HOLD UP THAT SHIELD!
“God, I don’t understand this, but I know You DO!” “God, this hurts, but I KNOW You have me!” “God, this is hard, but I know You will help me!” “God, I don’t know what to do next, but I know YOU do!”
Hold up that shield.
Remember That Heaven Awaits
“… And take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:17a)
And sister, when the battle just seems to be going south FAST, like ALL HOPE IS GONE… you remember your helmet of salvation to protect your thoughts from despair… remembering that even if the world collapses… even if evil seems to win… HEAVEN awaits you if you have put your trust in JESUS CHRIST to pay for your sins. (Read previous posts: “The Gospel Changes Everything” & “Why the Gospel Is Such a Big Deal.”)
Whom He sets free is free indeed! (John 8:36)
We are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer at the mercy of this sinful world. We have JESUS Who paid our debts! Heaven awaits!
No matter how hard life may seem to get on this earth… heaven awaits.
The Spirit Helps Us Fight Back!
“… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;…” (Ephesians 6:17b)
I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed about something & immediately a random verse from the Bible just floats across my mind in direct answer to my question… or when answering someone else’s questions directed at me.
I have been a Christian for a pretty long time—35 years… & while I will always have a lot left to learn, I have been studying & learning from & reading my Bible for a very long time, so my sword is pretty strong & ready (while it can always improve).
But, if you are a new Christian, it is not too late to learn (even if you’re not new!). And the time to learn is now… so that when life throws something at you out of left field, you can hold that sword up & the truth will be at the ready to combat it.
Make sure your sword is sharp & ready to swing.
Armor OF God–Prayer & Dependence on Him Is Necessary
Keep in mind… this is the armor OF God… Not of me… Not of you… of HIM. He is the power behind it. Knowing HIS Truth… Living as HE says… Resting in HIM… Trusting in HIM… Remembering HIS gift of grace… Relying on HIS Truth. HE IS THE POWER BEHIND THE ARMOR OF GOD… NOT YOU.
Just as Priscilla Shirer repeatedly emphasizes the role that prayer has on empowering all parts of God’s armor supplied for us… so we ought to pray. (Find the link to the referenced “Armor of God” study by Priscilla Shirer, along with other recommendations that have greatly impacted my life on my Recommendations tab.)
“… praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” (Ephesians 6:18)
We need God through all of these pieces. He is the One Who gives each of these pieces their strength & power—not us. So—PRAY.
I Need Your Prayers
And, just as this letter to the Ephesian churches ends, I urge you with the same plea….
“… and [pray] for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
I may not be in physical chains, but if I am not careful, fleshly chains are quick to try to hold me down… discouragement… feeling alone… apathy… distractions… hurts….
Pray for me as God brings me to your mind. Whenever a person chooses to step forward in faith, proclaiming Truth & pointing to Jesus as our hope… Satan comes at the ready to knock down & keep silent.
So, PRAY… please.
And Shine HOPE by knowing Him more… obeying Him more… resting in Him more… trusting Him more… remembering His gift of salvation more… letting His Truth fight for you more… & by praying more, putting on that Armor of GOD!
Coming Next Week
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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
A Note from Michelle:
(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)
This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3
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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Elva Scarf (INDIA)
This rust colored Elva Scarf includes a screen-printed leaf design on cotton fabric. Each lightweight flowing scarf is finished on each end with a light, feminine fringe. This Artisan-made scarf is a classic wardrobe favorite with a modern design.
***Purchase this beautifully handcrafted Elva Scarf with the “shop here” link below to help create safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty in India!***
How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:
#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!
Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!
