Being a kid means always having to wait. Waiting to get your ears pierced. Waiting until you’re old enough to be on the A-team for basketball. Waiting to watch PG-13 movies. Waiting until you’re old enough to stay home by yourself. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.
I think one of the best things about God is that he tells you that you don’t have to wait to be in his army. You’re in it—right now! The devil isn’t waiting until you’re older to tempt, deceive, or attack, so God says you’re old enough to wear his battle gear.
“For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.
“So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies.
“Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people” (Ephesians 6:13-18).
As you learn more about the armor you get to wear, remember that this isn’t about when you get older; this is about your life—right now!
Dear Jesus, you won the ultimate war for me. Thank you for being on my side, on my team, as I fight battles each day. Give me all the armor I need to fight so I can defeat all my enemies. Amen.
