God’s armor and power are meant to keep us from falling during adversity. Through His Word and Spirit, we need not topple like the leaves of autumn.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Standing strong
Every fall I enjoy the beauty of leaves as they turn red, orange, and gold. Then the day approaches when they begin twisting and turning in the wind and rain. One falls, then another, until their descent becomes a blizzard, golden leaves fluttering down from the poplar branches. A few remain, like gold coins, until touched by a new enemy, silent frost. And soon the frost will turn into snow, covering the fallen leaves.
Like the poplar leaves, we may endure the winds and rains and snow of financial loss, disease, or despair over someone’s actions. We may face rebuke or the ignoring of a friend or family member. In time we may sigh with relief when the crisis passes, yet every season we endure other storms of life. Some may seem like the defeated, frost-covered leaves of autumn.
Yet we face good news. The poplar tree doesn’t die after its leaves fall. It buds out in new leaves each spring, just as followers of Christ revive when God renews our strength so we can face any trial.
Paul encourages us to “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Writing to the Christians in Ephesus, he compares the battle garb of a soldier to the spiritual armor we need to wear that is meant to protect us against evil and the tricks of the devil. Whether our enemies are seen or unseen, we’re urged to wear God’s armor. “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance …” (Ephesians 6:10-20.)
When we ask God to clothe us with His trustworthy, protective armor, we will not have to twist and turn in the wind and rain of adversity. We do not need to fear falling to become dormant and trod upon like the leaves of autumn.
Lord, thank You for the reminders from Your creation that show us how to remain as upright and stalwart as a soldier against the winds of adversity that we face. Strengthen our faith through Your Word so we will use and depend on Your armor. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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