"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."
~ John 17:9-15 (NKJV)
A warrior who has trained hard and then experiences a few victorious skirmishes might develop a taste for warfare. The seasoned veteran who knows the worst horrors of war may maintain his love of duty, but any appetite for fighting diminishes with his respect for its cost.
At one time, victorious skirmishes made me intrepid enough to think spiritual warfare provided new and welcome challenges. Though I wish to never shrink back from spiritual battle, never again would I welcome it, having now faced its terrors. And I hope I never again take spiritual armor for granted.
Our enemy is real, ruthless, and relentless.
Recent posts have been on the final words of Jesus, and today we enter Holy Week, commemorating the final days of Jesus and the spiritual victories He attained for us. The time is fitting for a series on the seven components of spiritual armor, and it is scheduled to appear for the next seven days.
Lord Jesus, we welcome You into our lives as King. Go before us in battle. Lead us into victory. Please guide me in my testimony and protect me from the enemy as I share this week. Please draw people here who are in need of armor from You. Hosanna!
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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sometimes I think my troubles are not that bad so maybe I need something more challenging since so much of my family is being horribly challenged. Make sense? I am reminded by your own challenges and know that my troubles really are enough for the day. I just live in a little bit of denial which I have mentioned before. Thank you for the reminder to not invite Satan to play no matter how strong I think I am. I was just reading today in Romans 12, "Do not be wise in your own opinion." Somehow I think it is fitting to your post. I love you!
ReplyDeleteMary, there was a time when my attitude was prideful enough to think in terms similar to "bring it on, punk" toward satan. Can you believe it? He is a powerful enemy. My attitude now is something more like, "Lord, I willingly go wherever You send, willingly face whatever You allow." Beyond that, I try to do no more which might invite attack.
DeleteUnless you count this series of posts. I anticipated when I started them that I might be subjected to something more than the usual set of distractions. In addition to completing, this morning, an exceptionally difficult and painful study lesson for our church small group this evening, I've suffered two separate injuries to my right foot today. (I'm pretty sure the little toe is broken.) I called Mom for prayer, for both protection and perseverance, but she wasn't home this afternooon. I'm grateful if you'd pass along this comment, and my message that I covet her prayers.
Thanks! I love you too. ♥
Denise, I pray for you to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, that you will remain standing, good and faithful servant.
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