The other day, as we were going through family photos, we ran across a photo of my oldest son dressed for battle. We were talking about how he used to love anything dealing with historical battles. When he was little he even asked me to wake him each morning to the sound of a bugle- which I did do for awhile. This child loved to learn about mighty men, how they fought, how they lived and how they died. Sgt. York and William Wallace were just a few of his favorites. Yet, dressing for battle isn't just for boys, is it friends? It is a wise mommy that will dress herself as instructed in Ephesians 6: 11-18
Consider a note I wrote to a young mommy not too long ago (it has been edited slightly- I will be sharing it over a period of time and not all at once due to length):
The Lord desires for us to live an abundant life full of His blessings. Our days are rich when we are living as He has purposed us to- ministering to His people! The enemy is going to try and steal, kill and destroy so that we don't experience the Joy and delight of our blessed position as handmaidens of the Most High God. It is important for us to dress for battle each day!
Consider 2 Chronicles chapter 11 and 12 where it discusses in detail David’s mighty men of valor. In verse 8 of chapter 12 we are told that they were, "valiant men of war, and men of arms, and apt for battle, which could handle spear and shield and their faces were like the faces of lions (meaning fierce and terrible) and were like the roes in the mountains in swiftness." They were not born this way... it was not in their DNA. The strength and knowledge they had came from a great deal of time and study of war and its weapons. They had been preparing for battle since childhood! They took their task and duties with all seriousness and they were men to be feared. In fact verse 14 says that the weakest could kill 100 and the strongest 1000 men! Can you imagine?! I would like to suggest that as wise women who take their ministry at home seriously we are just as dangerous to the enemy!
While these mighty men prepared to battle for David, they first spent three days with David eating and drinking and feasting. In fact the Scriptures tell us that they were filled with "Joy"! Why?!? Why could they eat and celebrate before battle? I believe it was because they were without fear! They knew they had prepared diligently, they knew they walked with God, and knew that the battle was His! So, what does this have to do with motherhood and being a wife?
First, we too must be dressed for battle. Do we wake every day and put on the full armor of God? Do we wake and give thanks for the Helmet of Salvation? Do we repent of sin and put on the breastplate of righteousness (right standing with God)? Do we spend time in the Word daily? We must be wearing the belt of Truth and have our feet shod in the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Let's not forget our shield of faith. We'll need it... trust me! Also, we need to take up the sword of the Spirit so that we can fight the good fight! When the enemy starts to whisper lies to us, (fiery darts) we will put up our shield of faith and recall all the promises of God! We will speak the Word... No! My children are not a burden. The Scriptures tell me that Children are a blessing from the Lord! No! My husband is not going to reject God... He will turn His heart toward His maker and serve Him in Truth. The Scriptures say that if I believe, I and MY HOUSEHOLD shall be saved! NO! I will not be afraid of.... (You fill in the blank) For God has not given me a spirit of Fear but a spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind!
Once we get in the habit of dressing for battle daily and spend time daily to study the war that we are in, we will live that abundant life that the Lord came to give us! We will be able to feast in His Word and have great Joy, even when we see the battle coming. We will be as David's men- well prepared, dressed for battle, without fear and with full confidence that the battle is the Lord’s!
You may think I am being dramatic, please forgive me! I am truly trying to present how serious our calling as wife and mother is. Please, hear me! There is a battle raging for our families. The enemy would like to do nothing more than to destroy our homes, rob our marriages, and steal the hearts of our children! We have to look at the Spiritual aspects of motherhood before we will ever be successful with the physical aspects.
Okay, so let's assume we're dressed for battle... now what can we do? I am going to take your note and share some thoughts with you. Please prayerfully consider what I have to say. I have prayed about my reply to you and trust Him to keep "Jeanette" out of the response and only His Words to penetrate your heart.
To be continued...
