Becky Crenshaw

This past February, I went out for a run one bitterly cold morning. I wore four layers of clothing, two scarves, two head coverings, your dad’s wool socks, lined cold weather running pants and two pair of mittens.

I know. Why do I bother with this? LOL.

Surprisingly, the run was ahhh-mazing and I was very warm – too warm at times. But there was ONE moment when I made a slight adjustment on my sleeve and this minor wardrobe tweak allowed a tinge of cold air to seep between my mitten and coat. The air was bitterly cold and that little opening sent my entire body into tailspin, disrupting the protection I had worked hard to secure for this icy-cold, winter run.

Therefore 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. Ephesians 6:13

Paul goes into great detail in this passage regarding “what to wear” for the spiritual battle we face on a regular basis. Our spiritual “gearing up” is no different than the intentionality required for running in the dead of February. The elements are brutal and we must mindfully put on each piece to maintain our peace.

If one garment is forgotten or disrupted, like my mitten adjustment, space is then created for the enemy to send us into tailspin.

Satan is always looking for a gap in our armor. His mission is to disrupt and destroy what Christ died on the cross to secure.

Good news alert. The victory is ours in Jesus. But still we must keep ourselves spiritually kept and protected. And always stay alert.

Before you go, I want to remind you that putting on the armor of God isn’t just a metaphor in Ephesians 6. Nor is it only a powerful word picture. This is battle instruction for the war we fight in our daily lives. It is pertinent and protective. Gear up. Here is a prayer to do just that.

Father God today I put on Your full armor so I am able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. I choose to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist,  the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, I take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Thank you for the gift of your protection. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-18

*These are writings for my soon to be graduate son, FYI. Hope you enjoy.