Suit Up
Recently, I re-watched a YouTube video of Priscilla Shirer giving a sermon on the Armor of God. One of the most impactful statements Shirer makes reminds us that we may have conflict with our co-workers, spouse, other family members, and even our finances, and while it’s easy to be angry with the person or the situation, she reminds us that there is typically another force at work against us.
In his letter to the church of Ephesus, Paul writes about how 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 6:12, NIV). This is an extremely heavy statement, as we are faced with the reality that attacks are inevitable and that we have a very real enemy who we cannot see. Thankfully, Paul doesn’t just warn us of the evil forces at work, he also gives instructions on how to take our stand against the enemy’s schemes.
In verses 14-17, Paul illustrates how we are to suit up in our Armor. We are to fasten on the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, lace up our boots fitted with the gospel of peace, take up our shield of faith, put on our helmet of salvation, and wield our sword of the Spirit. Every time I read this I feel so empowered! God spoke through Paul, and He equipped us with everything we will need to fight our battles and make it through this life. How awesome is that?
Many times I find myself saying, “Okay God, time to suit up!” I say this on the good days and repeat it several times on the tough days when I am on the battlefield.
Last year, I spent a lot of time on the battlefield, fighting against the wrong person. I tried my best to remember that this person was not the enemy, but to be honest, that was difficult and I blamed them for our predicament. There were days that I remembered to suit up, and there were days that I didn’t. The days in which I didn’t, I shook my fist at God and was angry because I felt like He wasn’t showing up for me. There were days when my Armor felt too heavy, and I wanted to give up. It was in these moments that God redirected me to Ephesians 6:10-18.
In life, we all experience highs and lows. Often times we equate the highs with the goodness of God, and conversely, we equate the lows with God not showing up for us. We cannot afford to forget that there is another spiritual force at work. This other spiritual force is not out for our good, but actually schemes against us and tries to tear us down. Lucky for us, Paul left us explicit instructions about how to combat this negative force. Dear friends, I implore you to suit up not only during the battle, but every moment of every day.
Stephanie Patterson is originally from Denver, Colorado, and has called Las Vegas home since 2013. She has been married to her incredibly supportive and patient husband, Gabriel, since 2008. Her blended family includes 3 children – 2 adult children living productively on their own (hallelujah!), and a spunky, creative pre-teen who keeps her on her toes. Stephanie became a mother at a young age, and in her late 30s, is finally figuring out who she is. What she has discovered about herself, thus far, is she loves to read, write, cook/bake, and nap. What she has always known is that her heart belongs to God, and she feels called to connect with people who need help seeing that God loves and accepts them as they are. Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her life experiences and hopes to connect with others through the grace and glory of God.