Right before listening to Pastor Jason’s message on Sunday, I had opened my Bible that morning to read a set of verses in Psalm 44 that ministered deeply to my heart:
“I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” Psalm 44:6-8 (NLT)
I have truly loved these messages on the armor of God, haven’t you? I mean, hearing about these tools and ways that God equips us just gives me the will to get up and fight!
But reading this Psalm centered me back to why these pieces of armor are so effective in the first place - it’s because they have been carefully crafted and given to us by the One who knows exactly what we need. They aren’t just any piece of armor, they are THE pieces of armor that we need.
We don’t have to trust in what we do, or in what we bring to the table.
We don’t have to put our confidence in our abilities, or even in our gifts.
We don’t have to rely on our own motivation or will to fight.
We don’t have to count on the acceptance of everyone around us.
At the end of the day, the deliverance from the enemy of our souls only comes from God. The victory is sealed in Him. It’s not up to us to win. But like Pastor Jason said, “It is up to us to take up the armor and fight.”
I can’t help but love that we serve a God who doesn’t need our involvement, but asks for it anyway. He challenges us to step up to what He is calling us to - and invites us to act with Him, in partnership to defeat the enemy and his schemes. At the end of the day, the victory is the Lord’s! But He wants us to share in that, to be a part of that, and to walk alongside Him as we behold His victory.
Can we take up our armor and be a part of His great plan? Can we get off the sidelines (right where the enemy wants us) and choose to get in the game?
I’m praying for you this week, as God invites you into the great and mighty purposes He has for your life. I’m praying that you would stand and say to the Lord, “...Here I am, send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
“I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” Psalm 44:6-8 (NLT)
I have truly loved these messages on the armor of God, haven’t you? I mean, hearing about these tools and ways that God equips us just gives me the will to get up and fight!
But reading this Psalm centered me back to why these pieces of armor are so effective in the first place - it’s because they have been carefully crafted and given to us by the One who knows exactly what we need. They aren’t just any piece of armor, they are THE pieces of armor that we need.
We don’t have to trust in what we do, or in what we bring to the table.
We don’t have to put our confidence in our abilities, or even in our gifts.
We don’t have to rely on our own motivation or will to fight.
We don’t have to count on the acceptance of everyone around us.
At the end of the day, the deliverance from the enemy of our souls only comes from God. The victory is sealed in Him. It’s not up to us to win. But like Pastor Jason said, “It is up to us to take up the armor and fight.”
I can’t help but love that we serve a God who doesn’t need our involvement, but asks for it anyway. He challenges us to step up to what He is calling us to - and invites us to act with Him, in partnership to defeat the enemy and his schemes. At the end of the day, the victory is the Lord’s! But He wants us to share in that, to be a part of that, and to walk alongside Him as we behold His victory.
Can we take up our armor and be a part of His great plan? Can we get off the sidelines (right where the enemy wants us) and choose to get in the game?
I’m praying for you this week, as God invites you into the great and mighty purposes He has for your life. I’m praying that you would stand and say to the Lord, “...Here I am, send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.