Today I am filled, like so many, with various emotion – sadness, frustration, anger; not only for reasons that are obvious because of current events. Like many of you, I have a deep heart-ache that is emerging from inside my very soul.
Having spent much of my recent time editing the final book in the Virtuous Woman Bible study series (The Warrior in a Virtuous Woman); my heart and mind are more focused on the great battles going on around us from a spiritual viewpoint, rather than that of the physical. This does not mean that I do not feel empathy for those experiencing great loss.
My thoughts can best be expressed through the scripture that has inspired my recent writing:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).
As we focus on what is going on around us - with the pandemic and recent injustices - I am growing more and more aware of the real perpetrator. Our true enemy stands on the sidelines with a grin on his face, giving orders to his minions, while we drown in the chaos.
We call out to God in prayer, and rightly so. Meanwhile, we live in a time of higher Biblical illiteracy than ever before. The word of God is how we fight injustice. If we know God’s word, we can be better prepared. We would not be surprised by the things going on. Disturbed, yes. Surprised, no.
Just as the Prophets warned Israel of their upcoming capture by Babylon, we too have been warned. Not only warned, but INFORMED and EQUIPPED!
“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.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:13-18). [emphasis added]
The Word of God is Our Sword! It’s time we pick it up and use it!
We have become a nation of choices; too many choices. We think we are secure in our freedom. God gave us that freedom, a free will in order that we may come to Him on our own – not through coercion, but in Truth. With that life-saving choice comes responsibility. We have been fooled into believing that the only responsibility we have to others, is to fight for their right to choose. Yes, everyone has the same free will. Yes, everyone must make their own faith decision. No, that does not mean we don’t have a responsibility to share what we know to be true, so that others may be informed enough to make the right choice. How?
“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” (Ephesians 6:14-15).
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15).
Who better to start with, than our children and grand-children? We must teach them of God’s truth. They cannot make an informed faith decision if they do not know God. Tell them of your hope. Share God’s word with them, so they may know Hope. If not you, who? If not truth, what?
If you, yourself, are unsure or feel hopeless, please read God’s word and get to know The Hope of the world, Jesus Christ!
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14). [emphasis added]
The things happening around us are scary. I imagine if they are happening to you, it is down right terrifying. I do not wish to minimize what is going on in our world today. I do wish to remind people that things such as this have been happening all along.
We live in a broken world, filled with broken people – people who need hope!
I especially want to maximize the awareness of the One who has already conquered sin and death, allowing us to rest in His victory while we wait for His glorious re-appearing. We do need to change our world, but we CANNOT succeed without the CREATOR of this world.
I invite you today to be still and get to KNOW God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is God’s Word: Our Sword, and Our Hope.
All Bible Verses from New International Version/Zondervan
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