"I know, Grandmother, I make my own self nervous."
This declaration at the age of seven occurred during a storm induced power outage. I was spending the night with my Grandmother, Joyce, which was a weekly tradition that continued into my late teen years. She was bustling around to light candles and, being afraid of the dark, I was hot on her heels. We often look back on that night and laugh because I was zipping around frantically, and my remark was precocious.
Sometimes, God would like for us to just be still. In fact, He states this in His Word several times. As I have moved into this call to write, God has begun something in me that I would have never dreamed...or desired if I am being honest. He is calling me to be a spiritual warrior. This unnatural shift for me has been completely supernatural as I take on the enemies of darkness without fear, knowing that God has put me into this position for this season of my life. As this shift has occurred, I’ve been thinking a lot on being battle ready. Attacks will come if you are working and moving in the will of God. So, I’ve been obsessed over making sure I have my armor on.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT)
God keeps bringing me back to this scripture. After knowing it for most of my life, the Holy Spirit recently smacked me in the face with a realization. We are never told in this passage to fight. We are told to put on the armor and stand firm. God does the rest. This realization came at four o'clock in the morning, and Holy Spirit was speaking so quickly, my fingers could barely keep up to type everything. I believe this message needs to be shared, although I anticipated speaking about it. Someday, God willing, I will. But until He opens that door, this platform will be how I discuss details of each piece of armor, what happens when we simply obey the Word of the Lord, and look at individuals in the Bible who did just this.
Similar to my Grandmother exclaiming that I needed to just stop, I believe God wants us to stand there and let Him deliver victory to us, regardless of what the battle is. I am excited to finally bring this word from God to strengthen and encourage you. So, just stand there and watch as God moves on your behalf.
Next week: The Armor-Belt of Truth and Body Armor of God's Righteousness
© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.

Thanks for this needed message to calm my nerves about striving to go somewhere God hasn't prepared. I won't be able to handle what comes with the striving if I go ahead of Him. I have the armor passage on a note card beside my writing space and this post is a reminder to remember to put it on everyday. Thank you.
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