On January 1, 2021, not only did a new year begin but a new decade as well. What an unexpected ending of a decade the year 2020 brought into all or our lives. 2020 began as the year of vision for many people around the world to see more clearly where we needed to be and what we should be doing in this world. Shortly after celebrating my birthday in March, everything began to change from the country shutting down, people working from home, virtual learning for all students, layoffs and the loss of millions of lives worldwide. Covid 19 came in and pretty much changed life as we know it or what we perceived as normal. As a frontline healthcare worker and having to continue to go to work at that time even with the uncertainty of what caused the virus, how it spreads and no vaccine in site definitely caused me to worry. At times I would think to myself how I would have loved to be able to stay home and not have to be concerned about the extra potential of exposure every time I left my home. I had to constantly remind myself that my career is a part of the purpose GOD has for my life as well as trusting that GOD would cover and protect me even in the midst of a pandemic even with no clear end in sight. I chose to seek GOD’s strength every single day.
Fast forward to November 2020, my boyfriend proposed to me at my favorite vacation spot. I had no idea that it would happen at that time and even in the midst of a pandemic. As the sun rose up that morning at the beach and my fiancé got down on one knee to propose to me, I was reminded of one of my favorite scriptures. Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he direct your paths.” I must be honest that my trust in GOD wavered at times during my first two years of living in Texas due to different situations. I expected everything to just fall into place because GOD told me back in 2016 that I would be moving here. However, everything did not fall into place and that brought worry, doubt and lack of trust in GOD especially due to feeling lonely at times and being away from most of my family and friends. Then comes this pandemic – another thing to be concerned and worried about. So, on the day we got engaged, it was like a light switched turned on and I was reactivated. Knowing that even in the midst of uncertainty, trials and tribulations, GOD is still on the throne and in control. His word is true but we as his children must make sure we are protecting ourselves with the Armor of GOD. While we’re on the subject of the Armor of GOD, below you will find a mini teaching and better understanding of what each part of the Armor of GOD represents for us as Christians.
In chapter 6 of Ephesians, Paul talks about the importance of having the whole armor of GOD. I want to dive in deeper in order for us to have a clear understand of what makes up the armor of GOD and why it is so important for us as Christians especially in this day and time.
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (ESV)
Belt of Truth
Belt: used to hold something up or tuck something in. Particularly during the ancient wartimes, the belt was worn to hold weapons such as a sword.
Truth: a fact or belief that is accepted as true. GOD’s word.
In essence we must cling to the truth which is GOD’s word (sword of the spirit) every single day.
Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness: simply being morally right; obeying GOD and doing what is right in his eyes – commandments, loving others, etc.
Breastplate: used to protect vital organs during an attack or battle.
The breastplate of righteousness is our protection from the attack of the enemy. When we drift away from GOD, his commandments and his word, we become open to attacks especially from spiritual forces.
Shoes (put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace)
Readiness: To be fully prepared for something; the willingness to do something
Shoes: Covering/protection for our feet
Essentially, it allows us to move and share the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The gospel of peace allows us to share the good news even in the midst of the trials and tribulations we will encounter.
Shield of Faith
Faith: complete trust of confidence; a belief in GOD
Shield: provides protection of the body during a war or battle.
The shield is the protection of our faith and spiritual lives. It deflects any incoming attacks from the enemy. However, if we fail to completely surrender our lives to GOD or stray from our relationship with GOD, we won’t be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy without GOD being in our lives. We will remain vulnerable to the attacks from spiritual forces.
Helmet of Salvation
Helmet: a padded protective hat; hard hat
Salvation: being saved and delivered from our sins due to believing and giving our lives to Jesus Christ.
Sword of the Sprit
Sword: a weapon used in fighting and usually held up by a belt. (belt of truth)
Spirit: supernatural being or essence; the holy spirit
We are to live by GOD’s word in order to truly be able to fight against the enemy. Only way we can do this is by knowing and studying GOD’s word. The sword of the spirit is being held by the belt of truth.
“Praying at all times in the Spirit” is key in strengthening our relationship with GOD and truly knowing what he has for us to do in this world for his kingdom. Also making our requests known to GOD (supplication) on behalf of others as well as ourselves.
Worry will never yield positive results. The enemy wants us to focus on our worries so we cannot be focused on the work we are to do in GOD’s kingdom as his warrior. We must fight for our lives every single day! WE cannot allow the enemy to get even an ounce of our sanity. More than ever, we must not get distracted but remain focused on GOD and his righteousness. He is the only one who knows how it will all end and he alone can save us. I don’t know about you but I want to be in the number to see how GOD is going to turn things around for his children who believe and surrender to him. He has brought us to a new year with the same promises. So today will you be a worrier or a warrior for the LORD?
Be a Blessing and see you next month
Ebony, 2021
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