Remember to Put Your Gear On!

Brothers and sisters, who are loved by God,

I feel like I'm bad at being a Christian when...
...my anger gets the best of me
...I think unkind thoughts or speak unkind words
...I don't stick to my budget
...I hurry past a friend who needs me
...I don't make family a priority
...I miss time with God

Oh, how I could go on. It's during these times I don't know if I'm being tested or if the enemy is whispering in my ear. Regardless, they are those experiences in the human condition that never cease to frustrate me. I used to despair everytime I misstepped, worried that Jesus didn't "stick" when I said YES...but isn't that what the enemy wants? He would love to see us so debilitated by doubt and worry and defeat that there is no progression, no correction, no triumph in overcoming and victory is just...out...of...reach.

It's not that we're defeated in our flesh. It's a problem with short-term memory. REMEMBER that we have a Spirit in us that is part of an ever-lasting God WHO HAS ALREADY WON. Therefore, WE have already won. We just forget to act like it.

So enough! Turn AWAY from the self-indulgent angst, get UP and go to battle! We were not created to be a casualty of this fallen world. We are WARRIORS equipped with the armor of GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18). REMEMBER to put it on.

Living out victory doesn't mean we won't suffer wounds along the way. Our flesh is vulnerable. Anger, a wayward mind, poor stewardship and overscheduling are ways we can get hit and stumble. Just REMEMBER we don't fight these daily battles alone.  God leads the way, Jesus fights alongside and the Spirit can take over when it's all too much.  We show up to the day with an ARMY at our shoulder. March on...

I pray that in THIS day, and all days, you experience victory. God, Your will.  Jesus, Your presence. Spirit, Your counsel. Amen.