So, I've spilled my guts and you all know my family isn't picture perfect anymore. I was hoping to still have a few of you fooled. I have been praying, looking for God's word, and feeling kind of selfish about it. Like, shouldn't I be doing more? Something active? I don't know...standing in front of my child with a shield and a sword? I felt selfish asking for prayers for my guidance when there seems to be a bigger need.
My smart friend said it's like putting on your own air mask first before you attend to those around you. If I'm not getting any oxygen, I will not survive to care for everyone else. I like that thought. And about the sword and the shield, I am brought to Ephesians 6:11 "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil."
Interesting thing about Ephesians... the way I read it and how I've been taught is that it is our role as mere flesh simply to STAND against evil (Eph 6:14). By putting God before us, HE will advance the cause, not us. Think about the OT book of Joshua.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a common misconception that we are to be the front line of God's ministry, when in fact we are simply to hold the line wherever that line is that He has established, as He continues to advance His cause.
Think about it... read Ephesians again, and rest in the liberation of knowing God will do all the fighting needed. We are simply to abide in Him and stay one step behind Him at all times. Easier than warfare, but still a tough assignment!