I was struggling this morning with too much on my plate and a lack of faith. Okay. The struggle was carried over from … well, it’s a life long issue. We all face it now and then. It just seems that as we “mature” in Christianity, we should also be able to leave those fears and anxieties in the dust. But, if we’re honest, we will admit that we sometimes feel the pressures of being more under fire!
If you are reading this and are new to Christianity, don’t be put off. The Bible tells us that as we strive to walk more closely with God, we will face more spiritual attacks. The enemy didn’t care when he had us. But, now that we belong to God, he will do everything possible to trip us up. We need to be wary – ALL the time.
Ephesians 6 instructs us to wear the spiritual armor, which God provides; the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, shield of faith, feet shod in peace and readiness and the sword of the Spirit. Some times we forget to don the armor. Other times, we try to put it on in the midst of the battle – not a great plan! Then, there are the times we think we need only wear it when we head out into the world around us. But, Eph. 6:12 tells us; “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
I’ve found my greatest need for spiritual armor is when I’m asleep. I don’t much fear physical intruders. But, I’ve spent many a restless, sleepless night wrestling with discouraging, overwhelming thoughts. Our enemy likes to kick us when we’re down and attack when we are at our weakest. For me that seems to be when I’m tired. Concerns become worries, which turn into fear as seeds of hopelessness and impossibilies blossom into full bloom. That was pretty much where my mind was this morning. Maybe yours was too? If so, let me share what God shared with me.
He led me back to Ephesians. This time, chapter 3 verses 20, 21; “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us; unto Him be glory…”! It’s too easy to start sinking like Peter, because we see the impossibility of walking on the water. Why? Because we took our eyes off the God Who is Master of the impossible. He “is able” to handle not only the situations which overwhelm us – but ones we can’t even begin to imagine! When we give Him the reins, He works in and through us with “power”. Why? Back up to verse 19 “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Once again we are faced with God’s going above and beyond our comprehension.
Within moments, these few verses emptied me of turmoil and filled me with peace. Phillippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What a fitting verse! The concerns are still real – but I now feel peace in spite of them – beyond my underrstanding – because I know that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think – so that I will know th eove of Christ and be filled with the fulness of God.
I may encounter attacks throughout the day. I may end up tossing and turning again tonight. But, I know that I can and will find peace in Him and that He waits every moment, willing to fill me with His power. I may spend the rest of this earthly life fighting against not only the enemy, but my own weaknesses. But, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”. 2 Timothy 1:12 So, I can; “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD”. Psalm 31:24.
“Unto Him be the glory!” Ephesisans 3:21