Suit Up!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:10, 13)

The dreaded phone call came. My uncle had been in a serious car accident and his neck may be broken. No one likes to hear bad news and a child of God knows when it is time to go to war. I called a prayer warrior and we lifted my uncle up to the Lord. By the time we were done praying I was pissed. Yes, I used the p-word! The enemy had gone too far and I was done. He had messed with the wrong girl and touched the wrong family for the last time.

I got suited up last night and wore down the living room carpet one more time. (I've been thinking about buying new furniture, but now realize it would cover the path of prayer in my house.) Yes, I called on the Name of Jesus and asked Him to show Himself; to rain down on my uncle, the rest of my family, friends and myself. I asked Him to cover us with His Presence, His grace and His love. It was time for battle. I don't know about you, but I am ready to escort the enemy back to the pit of hell with no ice!

All of us go through times that leave us so heavy and burdened, worn out and weary. For the first time in my life I know joy through the love of God and I am not about to let the enemy take it away. God wants His children to know Him, His love and every promise He has made. It's time to take back, receive and give God glory for all that He is and has promised.

The war is on. If the enemy is on your doorstep, then suit up my friend. Be strong and courageous; it's time to fight. It's time for you to know the joy of the Lord. It's time to take back what the enemy has stolen. It's time to claim your victory in Jesus. It's time to remind the enemy that the battle has been won and he needs to back up and back off! It's time to let him know that he has messed with the wrong men, women and children. He doesn't get us or them because we have Jesus and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!

If you have no idea how to suit up or you have been suited up for so long your armor is worn, then find a friend, sister or brother in Christ to help you fight. If they are not available then it's time for you to muster what strength you have and stand in the Lord. If all you know is "The Our Father," then say it. If you only know one verse of Scripture say it. If you only know a few words to a hymn, sing it. If you don't know any Scripture, grab the Bible and read it out loud. If you can't get ahold of a Bible then repeat the Name that is above all Names - Jesus. Keep saying it, keep singing it until you can't speak, take a breath and start all over again. This is the last thing the enemy wants us to do and the most important thing we can do for ourselves and each other.

Today, put on the armor of God. Throw on the garment of praise. Be strong and courageous and when you have done all you can, be still and know that God can and will move your mountains for His glory and His children.

Suit up!