Am I Armed?

 

The fun things about this outfit:
1. Skirt - High School (used to be a dress... I grew... dress was too short... chop chop top)
2. Sweater - Taken from friends closet (2 years ago)
3. Shoes - Ross
4. Belt - Thrifted $1
5. Tank - Target
6. Floral Bracelet - Thrifted $2
7. Earrings - High School Days

When most people think of things that we classify as "hard" or "trials" in life certain 

things come to mind. Major illness or death of a loved one, huge fractures or breaks 

in relationship, loss of a job, financial difficulties, get the point? Well, last night I 

was feeling particularly underwhelmed (all you 10 Things I Hate About You fans 

know that's a word right?). I was smacked upside the head by feeling alone, 

and all day I'd been feeling distant from friendships of any kind. 

This morning I found myself reading 1 John 3:24-4:6 which then tossed me over 

to Ephesians 6 where I read about these trials and battles we face are not tangible 

all the time. They are battles of the spirit. And my spirit was aching and feeling 

particularly parched. What I loved about Ephesians 6 is that it continues on to tell 

me how to be prepared for these spiritual battles. It describes the Armor of God, which

 sounds funny to me at first. But, like I've said before, I love word pictures! So I jumped at

the parallel drawn between tangible battle armor and unseen preparedness of the heart.

Let me say this: I don't believe in quick fixes. 

I know that I have to work for attitude changes and it seems that my work is never done. But I also believe I don't have to go it alone. So I'm determined to arm myself.

Ephesians 6:12-18

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 

against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, 

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the 

whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having 

done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, 

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, 

having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take 

up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. 

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.