02.18
Is there noise in the quiet?
That’s the question that weighs on my heart this morning after reading our passage. Even though there may be stillness in the world I see, what war is being waged in the world I don’t see? We have a struggle and a battle against unseen forces, forces that are constantly at work to distract and ultimately destroy us. Now, I have a hard time believing there is a demon under every rock and that every little distraction comes from the enemy. But I definitely believe that our unseen enemy is using every weapon he can in his scheme to keep us from living fully for God.
I think that’s why the word stand jumped out at me today. All of the armor, all of the prayer, all of the courage that comes from today’s passage is devoted to one thing: giving us the strength to stand. God knows that we need to be outfitted with these weapons in order to stand in a world where the enemy is always trying to cause us to stumble. Here’s the cool part…when we begin to withstand the attacks, we take steps forward for God. Nothing makes our hearts sing louder to God than taking a step closer to him. May that song be the noise in our quiet today.
What stood out to you today from this passage?
vs. 18 – “with all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”
Once I’ve begun my day by consciously “dressing for God,” I also need to remember to be in constant contact with Him throughout my day.
He has the fastest signal in existence for my I.M.’s, texts, and tweets!
Lately it’s as if I’m walking around half dressed, or at least it seems that way at times. I know that satan uses Cindy’s health to get to me, I KNOW it, but yet I seem to constantly fall prey to schemes that I know are not of God. I often think that my “belt of truth” might not be fitting me too good when I fall for the lies that lead to anger and resentment. Of course with those “feelings” the “breastplate of righteousness” feels a little dented and yucky (we’ve all seen brass that’s turned green). Ever run on asphalt
without your shoes? That will tear your feet up! I know when sitting in hospital rooms or in my chair at night when Cindy’s asleep in her chair or already gone to bed, at times satan will show up and start reminding me of her health issues, trying to get me angry
and bitter, to run on asphalt barefoot, trying steal my peace. Some days he’s successful at stealing my peace and those are the days that I forgot to put my shoes on. I’ve got to be mindful, everyday, to put my shoes on! “Shield of Faith” – like the breastplate, my
shield has been taking a brutal beating as of late. Satan knows my primary weakness is Cindy’s health and lately the flaming arrows appear to be directly aimed at Cindy’s health to distance me from God and undermine my faith. Thank God that once He’s got me in His hand, no spirit, power or authority can pluke me from His hand, but man do I feel like I’ve been head butting lately, my “helment of salvation” is in-tact, has not, nor ever will it be broken, but man does my head hurt! Finally, my “sword of the spirit” doesn’t
need sharpening, the sword is flawless, but I’ve got to learn to bring it to bear every minute, every day.
I think satan should give up. He’s never going to win with you. And God’s never going to let him win. You’ll be standing strong when he’s falling into the lake of fire. And your wonderful wife will be standing with you. Feelings can be overwhelming, and satan knows how to use them. But there is a reality that transcends feelings; you are God’s child and He loves you with a love so strong we can’t understand it. I think your armor is perfect and a strong man of faith is wearing it. Hang in there. We’re praying for you too.
Tom, thanks for your honesty. I think we all feel that way a lot of the time, but I know that you are living it at a level I just can’t even imagine. I want you to know that I am praying for you big time today, and trying to keep you continually in my thoughts as I pray. It must be tough to feel like you’re fighting for two people, you and Cindy. But you definitely are a strong man, and I am praying that God will keep giving you the strength to withstand the attacks and stand strong, even in this dark time. Thanks for being present with us during this series. Your comments are a sign that this whole Rooted thing is going in the right direction.
There are many things that I admire about you, Tom, but your genuineness tops the list. Thanks for sharing!
When we think of the prototypical Christian, it would have to be Paul. He almost seems invincible when it comes to his boldness for Christ. However, when I read Ephesians 6:20b, I was amazed and encouraged to know that he, just like me, struggled with boldness when it comes to telling others of the truth of God’s word: “Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”