Yesterday saw the conclusion of The Armor of God at The Gathering. It’s been an important series, challenging us to “suit up and power up” every day. If you missed any or all of it, you can watch it here on our archives page.
So, now what?
Now, you look for the battle. It’s not like it’s hard to find. It’s all around you. The enemy (which, remember is not anybody wearing flesh!) is constantly attacking. Look for opportunities to respond to someone with kindness rather than the way you may be tempted to. Look for those around you who are struggling and step in, fully armed, and cover them with your shield of faith, fighting off the Enemy with the Sword of the Spirit. Take the battle to the enemy.
Oh, and one really important key: Know what kind of battle you’re fighting.!
Sometimes, there is cause for a strong blow with the Sword, gently, yet boldly applying the Word of Truth. Other times, you need to simply and quietly pray for someone or gently encourage them. Sometimes, you need get into the fray and take a firm stand. Other times, there is the call to do nothing and simply suffer in faith.
Yesterday, I quoted a passage from Eric Metaxas’ book, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. In it, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is contemplating the fight ahead against the rising Nazi regime and what the probable outcomes are, understanding that, at different times and circumstances, different actions are required:
Simply suffering—that is what will be needed then—not parries, blows or thrusts such as may still be possible or admissible in the preliminary fight; the real struggle that perhaps lies ahead must simply be to suffer faithfully….
Are you called to offer resistance or stand still and prayerfully let God fight the battle for you? You have to get that answer right and you won’t get it right outside of extended times in prayer.
So, what’s next, you ask? First, suit up, then pray up, then get up and engage! You weren’t given armor to look pretty, but to accomplish a mission (Matt. 28:18-20)
Let’s go.
Reminder: Wednesdays, noon-1:00PM and 6:30-8:00PM – Audacious Prayer in the Chapel at The Gathering.
