Wear Your Armor Well

Today I am reminded that things such as job loss, chronic difficulties with an ex-husband and financial stress are difficult yet, when I think about it,someone else has always got things worse than I do. Someone just learned they have cancer. Someone's kids are being abused and they are stuck in the legal system that allows it to continue. Some people are losing their homes. Others have lived through the devastation of a massive earthquake. When my problems feel like mountains, I remind myself of these things. Other times, I take a moment and imagine my problems magnified times ten and I am even more grateful that my situation isn't worse.

Some of my life's struggles have an ending point that, even if a long ways away, makes them somewhat more palatable. Other things feel like a chronic illness - overwhelming me with yet another episode before I've fully had a chance to recover from the previous one.

I asked my dear friend Jim, who thankfully knows his Bible well, for some helpful scripture. This is what he came back with:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (New International Version)

The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

May you wear your armor well and prosper even in times of difficulty knowing God is the shield before your heart. IAW