having done all, stand
One night in September, I couldn’t sleep. Anxious and restless, I kept trying to pray, but couldn’t seem to figure out what I was praying for in the middle of the night. All I kept thinking was “God help us. Help America.”
Specifically, it is the current spiritual and political climate of late 2021 that I am concerned about. The cacophony of anger inflated with bullying has brought our lives to a precipice. A clear call to stand for truth and justice, rally around new leaders, and bring America back from destruction has stirred us. Somewhere in the midst of all of the dreadful dialogue over the last few weeks, I heard a quiet voice.
God said, “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
“Do what you know to do, and come close to me.”
We are not alone in this season, but we have to draw near to him. To stand takes God’s strength in us.
Then, we can fight with humble prayer, faith, truth, and the righteousness he calls us to. We can take up the sword of truth-His Word and stand on it.
As we pray, we cast out all fear, so God can work with us and through us effectively.
Then, having done all, we stand.
So, what is our all? What all are we supposed to do against the evil day?
First, our primary assignment as Christians is to pray without ceasing. We cannot stand if we are not fortified with prayer.
Instead of wringing our hands and worrying or allowing fear to dominate us, we are to do what we can do and that is to pray.
Let’s follow Christ’s example and pray the Lord’s prayer.
Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the glory forever an ever, Amen. (the Lord’s Prayer is found in Mathew 6:9-13 NASB)
Following Jesus’ example, we give praise, ask for God’s will, and give thanks. Then, we ask God to deliver us from evil and agree together that God is in charge.
Jesus is Lord and he is our shepherd. No better place to get the truth than the Word of God.
Secondly, simply speak truth and do not get in vain arguments.
This verse is from Zechariah 8:16 : These are the things which you shall do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace at your gates.
Put the truth out there and it will sprout new life. Do not embellish and dilute the message. Don’t create division or troll anyone on social media. Keep speaking the truth and let God work with that.
To be effective and stand strong, we are to take up the whole armor of God.
We are to clothe ourselves in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.
NKJV Ephesians 6:13
13 Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
So not only has God called us to speak the truth, but also to walk in faith and live a righteous life.
Without a doubt, there is no better time to get our lives together than now. Since, God works through us for our own good and the good of others, so we need to get our own egos and baggage out of the way.
Draw close to God and allow the peace that passes understanding to draw others close to him.
Walk in faith that God is not only in charge, but that we have a part in the work.
Ask God what your part in the work is.
We all have an assignment that is personal and effective when we get on board. Waiting around wringing our hands and moaning about the state of the world helps nothing and no one.
Finally, breathe. Do not fear. God said, “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
If we are focused on the work he has for us, we will not have time to dwell in fear. With his word, our work will be effective.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.… Be anxious for nothing…but in everything by prayer…
From the post: Feet fitted with the readiness of peace “He writes that a Christian with feet fitted with the preparation or readiness of peace is “in the thick of the fight, and yet kept in perfect peace, because the soul is stayed on God.”
Let us do all we know to do now, and stand.
Barefoot and writing,
Kim
You might also enjoy Truth and Spiritual Weapons.
and How to pray without ceasing effectively.
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