Will you be prepared when the enemy sends storms?
During the summer months in Montana, we experience some pretty epic thunderstorms.
These storms stack clouds far up into the big sky of ours and, from out of nowhere, they tumble down into our valleys with their strong winds and moisture.
Preceding these storms there is usually a quiet, peaceful and warm calmness in the air.
Then..
These storms whip their wind through our serene valley. Thundering, raining, hailing, and zapping the world around us. The storm eventually subsides, moves on and leaves the earth damp with broken branches, torn off leaves and frazzled inhabitants.
Noticeably…
After the storm has moved on there is calmness, again. A slow inhale will satisfy the senses with the sweet smell of a cleansed earth.
Difficult moments we encounter in life are so much like these summer thunderstorms.
You may have experienced the calm before the storm in your own life.
It’s that sweet moment when everything feels good. Things seem to be going your way and God has opened the floodgates of blessing on you.
This moment of blessing and peace you experience is where I hope to encourage you today.
Yes, encouragement is needed even in the good moments we are living in. Because at some point there may be an unexpected storm that whips through your serene moment.
It’s time to reflect on the last storm (or challenges in your life), get prepared for future challenges and be thankful for all the moments you are in.
Now is the time to draw a reserve from God’s strength, soak in his love and be prepared for whatever moment is next! He has spoken directly to us in his Word how to do this!
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:10-20 NLT
In the book of Ephesians Paul wants his readers to understand how much God loves them. To understand how important it is to guard ourselves and prepare for battle with the enemy who is determined to stop us from shining God’s glory into the world.
The book of Ephesians is my favorite book in the Bible. It’s beautifully written, it shares how deep God’s love is for us and how important it is that we take time with him daily to rest in His presence and arm ourselves with his righteousness to be lights for Him in the world. I highly encourage you to read it if you haven’t!
How do you become strong in the Lord’s power? How do you put on the armor of God?
By taking the peaceful moments in your life and resting in Him.
For me, mornings are my best time to rest in His presence. I read His word, I journal and I pray. This is the most important moment of my day. This time prepares me for the attacks the enemy is preparing to use against me the rest of the day.
How I’ve applied this to my life…
A storm came whipping through our valley about a week ago. The wind ripped shingles off our roof. A few days later a roofer came and took a look at our entire roof.
He gave us a grim report that our entire roof needed to be replaced. His words started to blur together in my head, first my heart started to melt. I don’t want a new roof! I want a new floor in our kitchen. Internal panic started to creep in when it was suddenly put to a halt as I heard a faint whispering in between my ears.
The whispering grew into a loud voice that was clearly speaking in my heart, it was repeating a Bible verse that I had read earlier that morning…
“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” Genesis 22:8
God will provide a sheep…God will provide a sheep…God will provide a sheep…
Though a bit shook inside and quiet on the outside I was at internal peace as I remained in my armor from God.
My writing today is an urgent plea to you to put on your armor of God. He has it all ready for you, polished, shining and ready for battle.
Pick up your sword, which is the spirit. Let it fill you with courage. You can remain calm and at peace within your armor of God. You can be ready for the next challenge you may face.
Spend time with Him daily. Click Here to read my post about finding that time and making it a priority for you.
The enemy is prepared to take you down, will you be ready to win against him?
Blessings,
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
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