Inspired by . . . God's closet

Inspired by . . . God's closet

The battle is the Lord's, friend, but the battle is real.

Almost before I hit publish on my last blog post I began seeing affirmation of His word popping up in my IG and FB feeds.

Many of you let me know that you were getting His message, too.

Be still

Wait.

Stop striving.

Depending upon our individual personality, these commands are either a sweet relief or a very real struggle. 

Either way, even in the waiting, scripture teaches us to be prepared. To "position" ourselves, as it says in Chronicles 20. There are so many scriptures, beloved, that tell us to be watchful, and ready. Many of these are in the context of Christ's return. However, I believe they also can refer to being ready for Him to reveal Himself in our daily struggles.

When we stop trying to control every minute of our days, we open the door for God to show up in miraculous ways. I know you've experienced this truth.

Almost the first thing we do every morning to prepare for our day is to clothe ourselves. For those of you in the corporate world, you're looking to make a statement. Red tie, black suit, red scarf, chic, sleek. In control. Mom's are pulling on sneakers and comfortable clothes. Active, ready to wrangle the kids and clean up messes. You get the idea; you dress for what you expect to encounter on any given day.

In the same way we prepare our physical bodies for the daily fray, scripture teaches us how to clothe our spiritual selves for battle.

Ephesians 6 teaches us defense: how to protect ourselves against the wiles of the enemy. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of peace all give us the power to stand firm. The shield of faith protects us from the enemy's fiery arrows.

Then there are the garments described in Colossians 3. These garments prepare us for action or interaction with others. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Just as that red tie or scarf may project power and control, these attributes set us apart as children of God.

When we respond to situations with kindness and humility, people take notice. Sadly, these are rare traits in today's world. But we can be a powerful witness for Christ, simply by "wearing" these "garments."

There may not be many things about the Proverbs 31 woman we can emulate, but we can achieve this:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and can afford to laugh at tomorrow."

By constantly asking for God's help through prayer, we can be prepared to do what the Lord has called us to do, even as we wait patiently while the battle rages around us.

We can rest in this truth:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  (Joh 16:33)

Shalom,