The cracks on the armor
Matthew 6:10-18 “'Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.'
We all know what the armor of God is and how to put it on, but what happens when this armor doesn't get maintenance? Yes, we must give it care so it can protect us effectively. I want you to imagine a soldier getting ready for battle. They organize it and ensure nothing is broken, missing, or tainted. A careful inspection is completed, and all is good. The solder begins to dress up, and as they get dressed, they think of the battle soon approaching. It is their job to ensure this armor is fit for action. Once the solder is ready, they will wait for instructions.
Can you remember that fantastic day when you surrendered your life to Christ?
That day you were given this unique attire. It came with instructions—the word of God.
We all have it. We must all maintain it.
Now, just like the solder at the beginning of this story, we must also inspect it before putting it on. But wait! What battle are you fighting? Where does your enemy come from?
John 16:23
'“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. '
God knew the struggles we would face in our walk and provided all the necessary tools for us. Today you've walked 10,25,40 years in the Lord, so how is your armor? It's not enough to be dressed. Every battle you face has left marks, blemishes, and other impurities we must clean off. Looking at the natural, we take a rag and some cleaner, spray the items, and then wipe them clean. In the spiritual, there is The Holy Spirit at our disposal to make sure these items are squeaky clean.
Our prayer life is the rag, the holy spirit is the cleaner, and here's the good part, we must take care of it every day to ensure no impurities stay on. Life begins, you have school, work, family, and church, and you begin to get tired of the task. I'll take care of it tomorrow, you say. Days go by, and you don't realize your armor hasn't had any maintenance. Prayer is scarce, and fasting is a thing of the past.
1 Peter 5:8 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. '
There is an enemy paying attention to all your work and the lack of it. When we become complacent, we open cracks in our armor and opportunities for him to get in and cause chaos. If we are not vigilant, he will come in. This is the battle we must be ready for before he can enter. Spiritual warfare is real, and it's not against flesh and blood. The enemy will attack our family and our health. Doubt is a powerful tool used, but if we keep this Holy armor intact, we will have victory over trials.
Look at each piece of your armor and see where it is loose or broken, it is your responsibility to keep it in perfect condition, or there will be a penalty (your soul).
1Timothy 6:12 'Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. '
Our lives depend on God; He gives us these tools to learn to fight our battles. Our children or husbands (if you're married) and our loved ones are the ones we must fight for, and we intercede for them daily, knowing that sin is always around us, in movies, music, and in school. It is a product of our fallen world, and the battlefield is right at your front door.
Know today that this is our calling. The pillars hold up, re-enforces, and give strength.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and we are the missing link, and if we don't take care of the armor provided for this battle, we will be defeated. The cry of war is upon us. Today take up your armor and follow the leader(commander). Pray like never before, fast like no one is looking, interested, take time to renew your strength, and God will be your guide.
Join me in this battle cry!
For the victory is already ours.
