The training was intense. I didn't have much of a social life. The grades in my honors and AP classes took a hit. But I was determined to achieve the well-respected, honorable status that a black belt in karate would bring me. I worked hard. And victory never tasted sweeter. When I finally tied that belt around my waste, I knew in that moment that all the training was worth it. I had been equipping myself for three and a half years for that one particular moment. And even though my black belt is currently packed away in a box in our crawl space somewhere (not exactly sure where to display it... maybe next to my Willow Tree collection??), the resulting self confidence, attitude of perseverance, and whole-hearted devotion to anything I tackle, has remained embedded in my spirit (as well as the ability to throw a mean right hook, just sayin'.)
Earning my black belt was an intense commitment that required complete devotion. I could not have achieved that status without the proper training. You would never see a white belt spar a black belt. The white belt is just not equipped or physically ready to hold up against someone who has put in the time and work required to achieve and maintain such a high status. Can you imagine if our country didn't train its soldiers before sending them overseas into battle? I have family members who have served overseas, in dangerous places. The amount and degree of military training is extreme for anyone wishing to carry the well-respected title of Marine. Navy. Army. Airforce. I have the utmost respect for these men and women who march into battles - some seen, some unseen - on a daily basis. But the only way I am even ok with this a little, is knowing they are fully equipped for the mission.
We physically train for physical battles. We cram and study for exams in school. We go above and beyond our requirements at work to get the promotion. We put in the time. We equip ourselves. But there is another battle that is raging... one we need to be equipped for as well.
The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
How do we prepare for a battle we can't see? I struggle with this daily. Screaming kids, dirty dishes, dinner that needs to be made, groceries that need to be purchased, diapers that require changing, doctor appointments, the list goes on and on... When do I find time in all this mess of life to open up my Bible and attempt to hear God's voice? I can't even hear myself think sometimes! I am too tired to get up out of bed in the morning, and too tired before bed in the evening to discipline myself to have a consistent quiet time. But Paul is talking about battle here. And my mess of a life is living proof that this battle exists.
It happened all too quick. This past Friday night I was sitting at the kitchen table. The boys were playing in the living room. My husband, myself and a friend were enjoying the last few savory bites of veggie parmesan when my precious 2 year old, Gabe, fell and smacked the side of his head into the coffee table. The scream was still building in his throat when he placed his hand to his head and a steady stream of blood flowed through his fingers, down his neck, onto his shirt... A not too quick trip to the ER and three stitches later, I was tucking my sweet little boy into bed, praying a prayer of protection over him and his swollen little face. Not more than 16 hours later, my injured baby fell face first off his tricycle. Add a red, scraped up bump on the forehead, a bloody nose and a fat broken lip to his already punctured face. The poor kid looked like he had survived a fight with a pitbull.
As the injuries kept coming, the tension between my husband and I kept building. Who was to blame for this? We couldn't agree on anyone. Then last night happened. It was dinner time again. (Anyone else experience horrific dinner times??) My 4 year old, Jack, decided to get down from the table early. Monkey see, monkey do. Gabe pushed his chair away from the table but the legs of the chair wouldn't budge (probably due to the sticky floor that hasn't been mopped in five months) and the chair tipped back, slamming the back of his head into the door frame that was behind the table.
ENOUGH already!! I felt my emotions building. My anger was directed at God. My child was screaming, yet again, and the whole time I am silently screaming at Him - "Why are you doing this to my sweet angel? Hasn't he had enough this weekend? Give him a break! PLEASE!!!" Then, as my crying baby carried on, my anger overflowed. I scolded my husband (for simply breathing - when things got this bad, it just had to be his fault.) Then I yelled at Jack for getting down from the table. I wasn't standing my ground at all... I was falling apart. I needed someone to blame. Someone to take the heat so I could make sense of what was happening. I stormed out of the house and walked and walked. And then I realized what God was trying to show me in all this.
I wasn't prepared. I wasn't equipped for this moment. My armor was flung off somewhere, tossed in a corner or stashed in a box in the basement. I was wide open, completely vulnerable to an attack.
Accidents happen. Things go wrong in our perfect little lives that we have no control over. And there is always someone waiting for us to screw up, waiting for an accident so he can whisper lies that it is God's fault.. and when we are vulnerable, we believe him.
Training for spiritual battle is tough. But Paul reminds us of what we need to do so that we are prepared. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
As I read that Scripture this morning, I recalled my black belt training. I was devoted - giving of my body, mind and spirit to accomplishing a goal. Training was essential to getting where I needed to be. So when it comes to spiritual battles - when I am faced with a challenge where I can either choose defeat or victory in Jesus, I need to make sure I am fully prepared for such a fight! The military doesn't hold just one 2 hour training event a week for its recruits in order to prepare them for war. They are mentally, emotionally, and physically training morning, noon and night. Attending church Sunday mornings is vital to my growth as a Christian, critical in the development of my friendships that hold me accountable, and instrumental in giving me opportunities to serve the Lord by using my spiritual gifts. However, if I am to be fully prepared to stand my ground against flaming arrows and whispered lies, I need to extend that Sunday equipping session into week long training. I cannot expect to stay strong against an enemy that wants me dead - with little or no work on my part.
My busy little life that I have created often prevents me from my one on one training sessions with Jesus. He is always available - the ultimate Life Coach. He has won every battle He has ever fought, and will win every battle He fights. And He is CONSTANTLY fighting for me. For you.
Jesus tells us in John 16, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I find such peace knowing that Jesus has already overcome every battle I will ever face. I just want to make sure that I am standing in victory with Him.
Busyness isn't an option anymore. If I am going to win these battles - getting into His Word DAILY is the only thing that is going to protect me from an ever present enemy. When things get rough, I want to have the knowledge and strength to turn to God for help. I want to be able to have teachable moments with my children - raising them up in the Word so that they know who to turn to when life hands them lemons. I want to be able to turn to my husband and pray with him when we hit our breaking point... not the alternative of exploding and regretting later.
I love what my Zondervan NIV study Bible says about the belt of truth. The belt of truth is symbolic for the clothing of the Messiah. Just like Jesus, character wins the battle, not brute force.
What flaming arrows have been pointed straight at you lately? I think its time we put up our dukes... we are in for the fight of our lives.
We'll be ready for next time!
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