I think God loves a good adventure! Throughout the Bible, we read about situations when people are called out of their comfort zone or asked to take a leap of faith.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a little adventurous while participating in a high ropes course. If you have never seen a high ropes course, let me share a little about it. Picture this: you are in a groomed forest, and when you look up, you see a series of obstacles going from tree to tree created out of ropes and pieces of wood.
Of course, before you are allowed to begin, you are fitted with equipment and trained on using the equipment correctly to remain safe the entire time you are on the course. Once the training is complete, you begin practicing in some low-level area where they watch and ensure you are ready. After all that, you have some freedom, but you are encouraged to begin on the easily managed levels and then slowly work toward the more complex levels
Well, with enthusiasm, I tackled the lower courses and became very comfortable in my ability, so on to the higher level course I went. As the intensity rose, I began to hesitate and question my ability. I started to let doubt and fear creep in. Slowly making my way through the course, I felt relieved to see the end in sight. When I reached the final platform, which was about 30 feet high, I looked around to see what interesting way we would make our way down. I was utterly shocked when told I had to walk right off and would be slowly lowered to the ground. My response was, No Way! I don't think so…. What if….this? What if…that? Doubt, Doubt, Doubt. Then I stood there for a long time feeling ill-equipped and thinking about how I got into this situation. By this point, others had made it to the platform I was standing on. As they saw my fear, they encouraged and cheered me on. They even went first so I could see how the equipment did the hard work, and I just had to trust. Finally, I was able to meet this challenge head-on. I could take the leap of faith, knowing I had been given precisely what I needed to get safely on the ground.
Reflecting on this adventure, I thought about how often we face challenges in our lives. Sometimes, we invite a fun challenge, like I did when signing up for the ropes course adventure, but other times, it is an uninvited and unwanted challenge that comes without warning and tries to knock us off course. Because of the brokenness in this world, we know there will be trouble, so God tells us we must be spiritually equipped. Just like the trainers at the ropes course, God spells out just what equipment we need to remain safe and secure. Ephesians 6:10-18 lets us know exactly how to protect ourselves from the evil one, who is always looking for ways to derail us from knowing and believing in the TRUTH. Let's dive into this scripture together.
The Whole Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
These eight verses are jam-packed with wisdom on how to put satan in his place.
If you are like me, I begin strong, living out Ephesians 6:10-18 and putting on all the equipment necessary to help protect me from the enemy. Then, life gets busy, and I am on autopilot. Then, BAM, one day, a challenge comes out of the blue; instead of having confidence, all I have is doubts, insecurities, and anxiety. Instead of knowing I am equipped and secure in TRUTH, I feel like I am flailing. The evil one, the father of lies, who was watching all along, knew just where there was a break in my armor. He knew just where to shoot his fiery arrow.
(To be real and vulnerable with y’all, it is happening as I write this blog for the Pause & Pray. I feel led to share something the Holy Spirit has revealed to me, but then I begin to feel insecure in my ability; I hear satan’s voice telling me I am not enough and I should remain silent.)
But, with just a call of his name, my Loving Father, with a safety cord attached, comes to meet me where I am. He encourages me to pick up all my armor pieces and remain equipped through him. He reminds me that through Him I am more than enough. And when God is near, satan flees. So, let's not end up on the platform of life filled with doubt, but let's equip ourselves so we are ready for the battle that comes, the challenge that pops into our life unannounced, or the leap of faith we are called to take. Let's be disciplined, putting on our daily armor to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." 
Belt of Truth: Knowing what is true is our anchor piece, the belt that wraps around the core of who we are.
Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
He also said, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
When we know the truth of Jesus, then we see the enemy is full of lies. "He doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him." "for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8: 44)
Body Armor/Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteousness is living in a right relationship with God. We can not do this alone; it is only possible through the blood of Jesus, the one who took on our sins and shame. He is our body armor, our breastplate of righteousness.
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Shoes of Peace: Just like the disciples, we are called to follow Jesus. While standing firm, our purpose is to walk out our faith and share the Good News. In the world, fear, anxiety, and all the "what-ifs" begin to creep in, but they have no place in us when we have the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding. The evil one loves to whisper lies of doubt into our ears, but God has given us words to fight back with.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27).
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:3).
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Shield of Faith: The shield of faith needs to be picked up, carried, and ready to be used when the devil sends his arrows flying. Don't get complacent and set this vital piece of armor down.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:22-23).
In him(Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12).
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Helmet of Salvation: The helmet is a seal of protection. Our salvation comes the instant that we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior. His Spirit takes up residence in us and is sealed by the helmet of salvation. We must quiet our minds so the Spirit can guide our thoughts (where many spiritual battles are fought)
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
In him, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13)
Sword of the Spirit: Recently, I heard a speaker say, "God loves the sound of Bible pages turning." Now, every time I open my Bible and hear that unique sound, I imagine God smiling as he watches me become absorbed in His teachings. We know that all scripture is God-breathed, and God wants us to use it for training, correction, and reproof so we are equipped to do good works. (taken from 2 Timothy 3:16) Ask the Holy Spirit to give you fresh eyes as you read The Word of the LORD. Read, memorize, and claim God's promises out loud; they are powerful.
Constant Prayer: We are part of a vast army of believers who are called to pray. Satan's goal is to make us feel separated from God, but through prayer, we stay connected to him. Together, we will stand strong with God, for we know the VICTORY belongs to Him.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalm 116:2).
These scriptures (and so many more) are great to read and claim as we armor up and go out into the world equipped and ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
*In the comments, please share a favorite scripture verse God has used to help you feel equipped. Sharing scripture is a great tool to encourage one another.
Let us pray:
Almighty Father,
I know that through You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I am fully protected and ready to win all the spiritual battles that come my way today and every day. Help me to stay diligent in putting on the whole armor of God so I always remain steadfast and strong.
Amen
