Yesterday was one of those days.
It started out well but later in the day something I heard and read took me down.
It made me understand the enemy’s rules of engagement – that there are no rules but plenty of engagement.
But there is no lesson learned unless I can glean one.
It made me take a second look at Eph 6:12 only I looked at the NLT; we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
It is not the people we are fighting but it is a spirit inside them.
It’s an unseen spirit that manifest itself in a self-serving way.
What is my defense against such an attack on my spirit; on my mind and attitude?
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. Eph 6:11 NLT
I can only conclude that I had laid down some part of my armor.
An analysis will reveal which piece.
Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. Eph 6:14-18 NLT
I feel like I stood my ground but did not do it in a humble way; I failed.
I may have had the belt of truth but I let it out a notch or two and it slipped off; I failed.
The body armor of righteousness became the body armor of self-righteousness; I failed.
I had no peace, I must have slipped off the shoes; I failed.
I can’t hold onto the shield of faith and take off armor; I need both hands; I failed.
I must have taken off the helmet because all of this affected my mind; I failed.
And as for the sword, it all begins with “stand your ground” not swing the sword! I came out fighting and swinging; I failed.
Pray? I reacted; I failed.
Thinking I was clothed in Jesus I found myself standing naked and vulnerable.
It is a bad feeling to undress yourself and do battle armed with nothing more than anger.
Anger is a poor substitute for grace and mercy!
Lord, forgive me!