War

I am at war.

Not with anything in this world.  It is much scarier than that.

I have never personally fought in a war, but I know enough to understand the constant need to be on your guard.  How tense your body can be when anticipating an ambush.  The complete focus it takes to escape unscathed.  The incredible loyalty bubbling up within you that drives you day after day to be victorious.  

Tonight is C3.  A women's twice yearly event at our church that God has entrusted to me to lead.  There is a ton of planning and prayer that goes into an event like this, and most of the time, it's a lot of fun.  Until several days before the event and satan starts implementing every scheme he can think of to discourage, frustrate, irritate, and annoy me and my team.  

I remember the first time I read This Present Darkness.  It completely changed the way I prayed.  It made the reality of spiritual warfare very concrete for me.  As Christians, we do have an enemy.  There are many who don't like to talk about satan and his schemes - it seems too "out there".  That's like walking into a war and having no idea who you are fighting, what kind of weapons they use, or their plan of attack.  

I am just flat out tired of him.  I get so mad at myself when he is victorious in manipulating my thoughts.  I get mad when I allow him to use circumstances to frustrate and discourage me.  I am mad.

Let this post serve as a warning.  I already know Who is the ultimate Victor.  HE wins........every.single.time.

God gave me armor and it's up to me to put it on.  I can cry out all I want about feeling defeated, but if I choose to not put on the armor, I only have myself to blame.

Breastplate:  I will put on the breastplate of righteousness because it is what protects my heart.  The place where my security rests.

Belt:  I will put on the belt of truth because it will hold the breastplate in place.  The Truth will conquer all that threatens my security. 

Footwear:  I will put on footwear so I am ready to go where God leads me.  Anywhere, anytime, I am willing to be moved.

Shield:  I will hold up my shield of faith.  It is my unwavering belief that anything thrown at me meant for harm, will falter.  I will be protected.

Sword:  I will fight with the sword of the Spirit which is God's word.  Nothing will cut down my enemies like speaking the word of God.  I can claim His promises as my own and remind satan who is the true victor and Lord of my life.

Helmet:  I will put on the helmet of salvation.  It protects my mind from self-doubt in who I am as a child of God.  I belong to Him and Him alone!!

Bring.......It.........On