Cover Me

 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”  1 Peter 4:12-13

 I’m a girly girl with sensitive feelings. I do not enjoy war.

God has called me to a specific ministry, one of many I have been involved in over the years. It seems like such a safe, calm ministry, but when I participate in the work the LORD has given me to do, I become a target for the enemy.

“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.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

 These attacks come from various angles such as unexplainable chaos or horrifying nightmares. And yet this girly girl with sensitive feelings who does not enjoy war cannot let fear of the battle stop what God is doing through me.

“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.” (Ephesians 6:13)

 If I love Jesus, I must obey Him. I must face this battle head on. I am not the boss of me. I do not get to decide when this work is finished. I must live in daily submission to His direction. But I do not have to face it alone. I always have the Holy Spirit living inside of me, and I daily pray on each piece of the Spiritual Armor.

“…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…” (Ephesians 6:14-15).

I have learned to pray, pray, pray, and do not ever think myself “safe” or above persecution. I not only pray for myself, but I ask for the prayers of ministry leaders, my husband, and friends. I also pray for my ministry partners and for the ministry.

It helps me to keep the perspective that I “have not suffered to the point of shedding (my) blood.” (Hebrews 12:4)

I will probably always be a girly girl with sensitive feelings.  But in the spiritual realm, I am a warrior for Jesus Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, today we pray for all of the women involved in all of the ministries You have called them to. We pray an extra measure of protection as they accomplish the work You have uniquely created for each one. Strengthen us where we are weak, and cause us to stand, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.