Prepare properly

"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." Ephesians 6:14-17

As I was dressing for a long run Sunday, I was thinking about how much extra time and thought had to go into preparing for a lengthy race. In just going out for a daily short run or short race, preparation doesn't seem to be an issue, until... due to circumstances, you find yourself needing to run longer or farther or conditions change - in which case you may find yourself totally unprepared and unable to complete the race set before you. Preparing for the day and putting on the  full armor of God seems to be the same way. We put on only the bits and pieces we think we may need for our short "race" not knowing what the day might have in store for us. No wonder then, that we are unprepared when Satan (not if but when) throws us a "flaming arrow". 

Life is not a sprint but we so often treat it like one. The truth is, regardless of our plans for the day, we are not in charge. Our best made plans have about as much value as the paper we write them on. Since we never know what's in store, wouldn't it be best that we daily prepare in advance for whatever the day may hold? Ephesians 6:13 tells us to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground". Paul reminds us to put on the full armor because he knows that, as a soldier of Christ, we will need every piece if we are to battle "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". Every piece is essential!

Don't be fooled, the battle is real - and it's a daily fight. Psalm 60:12 tells us that, "With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." He has given us everything we need to fight the daily battles of this world and claim the victory. He also has given us the choice to do so, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15. What will you choose? Will you take up the armor and follow Him?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with readiness, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit to battle Satan's attacks. May we always remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and we should be prepared at all times to claim victory in your Name. Help us to trust You in all things and to daily put on "our armor" and choose to follow You. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

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King of my Heart - Love and the Outcome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE8f0OaPSEQ