My daughter, Camille (age 16) wrote the post below. It’s an imaginative recreation of the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. There, Paul writes:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
I hope you’re encouraged as you consider what it means that we are clothed for spiritual battle. I was!
John
The Cloud
Picture this: you are the only one in a vast desert that stretches out for miles in all directions. Scorching sand blisters your feet. The lonely sun paints the rugged scenery a hazy orange.
Suddenly, a chill runs down your spine. You turn your head to the west and you see a dark cloud racing towards you from far off in the desert. As the cloud nears you are struck with a fear that drops your stomach. The fear moves upward: your heart begins to race and rivers of sweat form in your palms. The cloud rolls nearer. It is no cloud, it is a hoard of demons stirring the sand and rushing up against you. Fear stricken and hopeless, you crumble to the ground. The cloud rushes around you and pours in from all sides.
Biting cold braces you. Inky darkness clouds your sight. Despair grips your soul. There is no hope for you, you are alone, and you know your feeble strength is no match for your enemy.
The Light
Suddenly you hear a melody: the sweetest song you’ve ever heard. It grows louder and louder. The black cloud sweeps away, as though caught by monsoon winds. Shrieks of fear and terror accompany the cloud as it races away from the euphonious anthem.
As quickly as the darkness came it is gone. In its stead is warmth and a blinding light. If every light bulb ever manufactured was lit next to this light, you would have thought the light bulbs were gray. For so great was the glory of this light, nothing could compare.
Every fear, anxiety, and doubt pour out of you. A flood of peace, love, gratitude, and joy saturates every inch of your being.
The Armor
The light wraps you up and robes you. A belt of truth fastens itself around your waist; you know that you will always be wanted, and loved. Next, a breastplate of righteousness is fitted to your chest; you are perfectly pure through the blood of Christ. The gospel of peace forms itself to your bare feet; you are reminded that wherever you roam you will not be alone, for the God of the universe holds you in his hand. A shield of faith is placed in front of you, ready to block any attack from any scheme of the devil. A helmet of salvation is placed on your head; the knowledge that you were chosen and are saved echoes through your mind.
Finally, a sword of light is placed in your hands. This is the sword of the Spirit. The Spirit that will fight and protect you no matter what comes. This sword holds the truth of your Creator.
The Light now speaks. “You are loved, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.”
You are ready. The cloud may return. But no attack of the enemy can defeat you. You have the tools of battle forged by the God of the stars. You are chosen to be a warrior, so do not waste your armor. Use it for battle and to share light and love to others who need it. No matter what battle you face.
You are not alone.
Photo by Andrew DesLauriers on Unsplash