The Armour of God (part 1)

Ephesians 6:11-18

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (KJV)

Wow, okay, re-reading that I'm realizing all I want to say may not fit in one post, so this may turn into a series. This scripture has been on my mind for, well, quite a while now. I've heard it taught and preached on before of course. But a while ago when I read it, something stood out. Something no one had ever mentioned before. Combat distance. 

Don't run away just yet, please. I have often heard Christians referred to as "Defenders". I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to nuances of words. Defender, to me, implies that we have the high ground and the enemy is attacking. It implies that Christians are holding back the line of enemy invasion. But if we take a look at the armor and weapons we are given, that doesn't make much sense. If you are in a defensive position behind a wall, you don't really need a breastplate. Or a shield. And what exactly are you going to do with a sword? Throw it at the enemy? Great job! You are now weaponless.  

The armor we are given is not for the defensive position. It is for the offensive position. It is for the battlefield from a day when the battlefield meant hand to hand combat. We aren't holding back the invasion, the invasion already happened. The enemy is the one with a strong footing in the world. Christians are the invading force. Now, I'm not talking about a Crusade; "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood". But in the spiritual battle it seems to me like Christians have the illusion of an advantage from their defensive position. Our armor is not helpful from that position.

One more quick point. "About all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked". Did you catch that? We are told here what the wicked have to work with. Fiery darts. Scary. But, not super helpful in a hand to hand fight. Only helpful from a distance where they can work up some momentum to hit their target. So, if we go into the fight knowing and expecting it to be hand to hand combat distance not only will our armor and weapons be actually effective, the enemy's weapons won't work nearly as well. Hmm...

Re-thinking Relationships

Warning: this is a Ramble/rant. If you recognize something that you said please know that I simply used examples as they came to mind. If I used an example of something you said to me, you are loved. :) Also this was written on a rant, mostly to myself, and I am choosing to edit it very little. The progression you see is my thought progression... Sorry if it doesn't make any sense. :)


All my life people have talked about me and relationships in a way that seems foreign to me. They talk about me like I have no control over things. Like I will be just like the majority of the population and I, foolishly, listen. I've heard a lot of things over the years. Everything from being called cold-hearted to "encouragement" to hold out because, since I've been single for so long, when a relationship happens it will be perfect. What I haven't heard is anyone ask. How do I feel about relationships? Am I okay being single?

To back up a bit, I am the worst person on the planet to give relationship advice. I have never been in a relationship, as you probably know if you are reading this. I am a 24 year old home-schooled girl/woman who has never been asked out (Carlos doesn't count people, really!), never been kissed, and always promised the dream that "someday, some great guy will come along". I'm beginning to think that promise is Bologna.

What really gets me is, I was okay with it! Pre-college, I never had even long-term crushes. I think the longest was a week, at which time I told my sister and she lovingly told me I should drop it. I seem to remember her exact words being "You guys would kill each other". So why the change? Why is it now I cry at happy endings? Sometimes I stop movies at the pre- I-love-you-so-much-I-can't-live-without-you break-up! Then I don't cry. It's when they get together, look lovingly into each other's eyes, and laugh/giggle/smile. That's when I cry. Why? Because I've never had it? It didn't used to matter.

People keep telling me he's out there. The man for me. The one that will irrationally fall for me and somehow be able to put up with me. The one who won't kill me and I won't kill him. The one that can put up with my crazy. I want everyone to take a moment to consider: Maybe he's not. Maybe that isn't God's plan for me. Why do you want me to want it? I do want it, but I didn't used to. Maybe he is out there; that amazingly tolerant and slightly crazy man. But maybe he isn't.

I want to stop wanting him. I want to want God instead. I want my identity wrapped up in what God wants for me and not what people think I need. I've looked for a man, like I thought maybe I should. I've not suffered the rejection some girls have faced, but I have been hurt. I can't believe God wants me to be hurting, bitter, and resentful, so it is time to stop.

It is time to stop looking for a man and look for God. It is time to stop pursuing what people think I need and pursue what God has for me. I will stumble. I may fall. But I ask that people understand my reasons for trying. I ask that instead of pointing me to a relationship, people  point me to God. If I crack jokes about being the personification of the forever alone meme, it is not the time to assure me a man is out there. It is the time to give me a hug and point me to God. I am never alone when I am with Him.

He may not have a current body of flesh, but I have found the One that loves me and is able to put up with me. The One who won't kill me, but died for me instead. The One who puts up with my crazy. Maybe an "in the flesh" version of that doesn't exist for me. But God has accepted me and told me He loves me. Please, friends and family, point me to Jesus instead of the shadow of a potential future. And please, everyone else, comfort your single friends with Him. Let's change the way single Christian women see their relationship status.

Thank you.

Welcome to blog attempt #2

Welcome to blogging attempt #2. I decided to try a generic title so I didn't feel like I had to post anything profound or applicable. My warning is that most everything here is subject to being very, very random. Like me. :) So welcome, and thanks for coming. I'll see if this blog sticks a little better.