Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.
Women are natural worriers because of how we are wired to be emphatic, compassionate, and all things motherly. We have this innate desire to make sure that the people we love and care about are happy and comfortable, nurtured and provided for, affirmed, and well loved.
We want to be prepared, we want to be a few steps ahead, we want to have solutions to problems that don’t even exist yet!
The assurance we have today is that when worry casts a big shadow, we can cling unto the Lord, whose light shines the brightest. His is mighty and powerful, yet nothing is too small or insignificant for Him to handle.
Ephesians 6:10-12 urges us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Being strong in the Lord is acknowledging that on our own, we are weak and vulnerable worriers. But when we put on the full armor of God, we are warriors in Christ.
YOU are a warrior in Christ, equipped to stand firm with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:13-18) The armor of God is the best armor you can wear for battle.
Remember that the enemy is always on standby, watchful of our blind spots, ready to devour. It starts with thought provoking matters that make us worry and later escalates to being at war with ourselves or the people around us.
Sometimes we think we are still in control until the vicious cycle of worry turns into tearful outbursts, fits of anger, resentment, fear, stress, and anxiety that manifests physically and mentally. When worry lasts longer than it should, it paralyzes us and affects our day.
But the Lord is so good and gracious, He has given is the exact blueprint to win!
Every day is a battle. Our time with the Lord in prayer and meditating on His word, our time for self-care, our time with people we love – these moments are shortened all too often, and sometimes taken for granted because we worry too much about doing things right, or making sure everything is in place and in order.
We get distracted and influenced by the things we read and watch, or the people we listen to, that it becomes part of the battlefield of newer things to worry about.
Every day is a battle. The enemy wants to keep us from running to the Lord for help by tricking us into thinking that the more we worry, the more we care. Why, Mary did not worry when she was told more wine at the wedding they attended!
She knew exactly what to do – tell Jesus about the problem in full confidence He would solve it. You see, it’s not about what’s happening, it’s about who you’re running to! And that’s how miracles take place.
Like Mary, we experience similar situations where time and resources are running out, and even our reputation and good name is at risk (in Mary’s case, it would be humiliating for the bride and groom if they ran out of wine ). Like Mary, we can run to the Lord to tell him all about it!
Everyday is a battle, but we can always choose to be warriors in Christ. In doing so, we are freeing up our headspace and heart-space for people, pursuits, and things that matter most.
By standing firm wearing the armor of God, we know who is bigger than our worries. We will not be shaken because we know we are on the winning side.
The choice is yours every day. In every waking moment, in every situation, in every battle you are facing, ask yourself “will I be a worrier, or a warrior today?” When you choose to be His warrior, your thoughts and feelings are aligned with His purpose, and your actions follow suite.
You become more confident in His promise of overcoming the troubles and battles of this world, because the greatest battle of salvation has been won on the cross.
