They Work When You Wear Them [Day 11]

By Linda Ho

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 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. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:11-18 NIV)

These are unprecedented times. We’re engulfed by fear, negativity, hopelessness, depression, etc. Human interaction is at an all-time low, even for introverts. We all personally know people who have been impacted by this pandemic, whether it is yourself or someone close to you. People are losing jobs, loved ones are passing away, and we can’t seem to get a grip on next steps. There are a lot of domino effects, and it’s hard to keep faith when the world literally seems to be crumbling.

When these things happen, our faith can waver. It’s easy to miss a day of reading our Bible, especially if we have to apply for a job, take care of the family, homeschool our kids, work from home, etc. That day turns into a couple days, then a week, a few weeks, the entire quarantine. Tell me: each day you skip being in the Word, how do you feel? Do you feel like you can take on the day, with a glimmer of hope to hold onto? Or do you dread waking up each morning, wondering how you can be somewhat productive even though it’s been 22 days since you started working from home and still haven’t found a rhythm?

I went on a walk the other day—while social distancing—and noticed a sign by the water. It had a picture of a life vest and said, “Life vests: they work when you wear them.” And for some reason, I stared at it for a good three to four minutes. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t struggling to be in the Word everyday, or spending time with the Lord through prayer and worship. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t put my relationship with Him on the back burner. “God will understand I just need to get all of this done before I can spend time with Him” is one of the many excuses I tell myself when life becomes a bigger (and mistakenly, better) priority.

I’m not saying that praying and reading your Bible everyday guarantees God will answer all your prayers. Or, you’ll immediately experience a victory as soon as you say “amen.” What I am saying is these small sacrifices of time will shift your perspective. Have you ever been in a dry season but pushed yourself to spend intentional time with Him? (I don’t mean “multi-tasking, listening to a sermon as you’re driving” time. Actual time when all distractions are put aside, especially your phone). Maybe not immediately, but afterwards, did you feel different? Like you could take on the world? Like you were equipped with something? A new outlook filled with hope rather than despair? Emotionally lighter?

They work when you wear them.

If you’re struggling to want to know Him, first of all, do not feel guilt or shame. We all go through these seasons, and you’re not alone. Not now, not ever. But I want to challenge you: continue pushing through. Ask someone to be your accountability partner. Invite a friend to go through a devotional with you. Schedule 15 minutes everyday on your calendar for prayer.  

Be honest with Him. You don’t need to be eloquent for Him to hear your voice. Don’t put yourself down because you’re not where you think you “should” be. Ask Him for a desire to grow closer to Him. Before you read your Bible, pray for God to reveal Himself through it.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for always welcoming me with open arms. No matter how far I fall or how much I pull away, You still love and pursue me. Thank You for Your constant forgiveness as I weave back and forth. I pray for a desire to know You, that I look forward to spending intentional time with You, not just to check it off my list. Give me a renewal of my spirit, for my flame to burn passionately for You. Help me remember the joy and comfort You bring. Help me see the wisdom and guidance, Your footprint, in all the Scripture I read. In Your mighty name I pray, amen.