We're in a battle here folks!

Returning once again to the theme of my blog--Standing in the gap for a wayward loved one. I sit at my computer this morning, recovering from a gut-punch. You know the kind of punch--the punch that, although history proves you should expect it, your breath is knocked away, nonetheless. My prodigal has been fired from his job.

We are long past asking the "why" questions: why did this have to happen? Why can't he keep a job? Why! Why! Why! We know the answers.

In this journey, we are long past the road signs that say, "Travel with caution"--we have been treading through life waiting for the next IED to blow for some time now. We dart, we weave, we wear our protective gear; and still, we get hit. Standing in the gap for someone is dangerous work! We are fighting so much more than 'flesh and blood':

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and 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 full 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. 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 falming 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 kind s of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6: 10-18

We should expect the battle of life. God has prepared our armor and we would be fools to not wear it! In text, that may translate a little coarse for most--but in the midst of my battle--it is the truth. It is the first weapon in spiritual warfare: God's Truth (His Word) (verse 14).

Protecting our vulnerable and vital mid-section, we are given the breastplate of righteousness. My breath returns slowly, thankful that I need not count on my own doing--I am protected by the righteousness of Jesus. His righteousness is stronger than any sword, dart or arrow the enemy can throw. His work at the Cross is evidence of that!

We are like a soldier in this battle. What soldier would go into battle without his shoes (well, what soldier since the day of George Washington's battles?). Our feet are fitted with the good news of His gospel. This is the only thing that will provide the peace and comfort we so desperately long for while in the midst of the battle.

Our shield of faith is a defensive weapon. How cool is that-my faith in Jesus will protect me and thwart off any impeding missles of the enemy! It is an active protection while I stand in the gap during this warfare. I don't have to waste any precious energy thinking of ways to defend myself--that battle has already been won.

Finally, as any mother of a motorcycle-riding-son would say--"Don't leave home without your helmet!" The helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit: God's spoken Word! Our Christian thinking is protected by His Salvation. We are to keep our mind on eternity--resting in the fact that the battle has already been won. God's spoken Word is our weapon of offense and defense! When I am in the Word, I am reminded that He is with me and has promised victory. When the enemy hears God's Word--he too is fully aware of my General's power!

For me, this gut-punch is a reminder that I may not have been wearing my armor sufficiently. I have discovered that while standing in the gap--we are like a moving target for the enemy. It is vital that we are fully guarded with the armor of God in our journey.

What does this mean personally for me? I must be in prayer and in His Word! Maybe this means I will do less blog-surfing and more God-searching. Maybe this means while I am praying a protective spirit over my prodigal--I will, also, begin to pray God's protective promise over his prayer warriors!

While we may think we know the answers to the why's....without a doubt, we KNOW the WHO of who is going to win this battle. How do you apply His armor daily? As you stand in the gap--are you fitted with the protection of His armor? THIS soldier is a little weary; yet, our LORD's faithfulness never fails. In my weakness--may the enemy see God's strength!