In the Fray

Greetings!!!

Have you ever watched a track and field meet? What is your favorite event? Because our daughter is a thrower, we spend a lot of time watching the throwing events. Recently, I have had the unique experience of watching the throws from the field with the implements coming toward me. It is imperative to never turn your back to the throwing area. Yesterday, I had a college freshman working with me in the field. She had difficulty anticipating the way the discus would curve in flight. One time she was so filled with fear she cried out, "I can't get away from it!" as a discus fell very close to her side.

This incident made me think of the way our enemy, the devil, is constantly sending a barrage of missiles at the children of God, and the importance of the full armor of God found in Ephesians 6: 10-18.

"Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints."

In the same way that officials are never to assume they are safe in throwing area in track and field, children of God are never to assume they are safe from the devil. You must be ever vigilant in your walk with the Lord. If you are in the middle of the fray right now, do not panic. Do not fear. Stand firm and watch the LORD of Hosts win the battle. Isaiah 52:12 says, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

The LORD bless you with realizing your only safety is in Him.

I love you,

Ruth