Everyday Prayers for PatienceEsimerkki

The Armor of God

Patience is required for military conquests, those of old and those today. Once a target is acquired, armies may wait days or even weeks before attempting any kind of fight. They know that to truly conquer their adversary, they have to watch them, know their routines, what makes them tick, and other traits to gather enough information to build a strategy.

I don’t think we need to see our children as military adversaries, but they will often feel like the opposition. I find it interesting that Paul’s warning to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) comes just a few verses after he talks about the relationship between parents and their children. It’s almost like he knew there would be struggle here and gave us the tools we need to be patient and be careful what we say. I love that he uses wartime language because learning to control ourselves is letting go of our need for power and doing battle in God’s power instead.

What does a mom need to wear each day in order to find true power and have patience with her children?

·The belt of truth: time in God’s Word. Only the truth can push out the lies of the world.

·The armor of righteousness: knowing Who you belong to at all times and making sure your identity is firmly rooted in this.

·The sandals of the gospel: preparing you for walking into situations where you can be the peace that comes from knowing Jesus.

·The shield of faith: against the roller coaster of life, the unknowns, and the plans of the enemy.

·The helmet of salvation: to cover your most important asset, your mind, with the knowledge of your salvation, empowered by your knowledge and faith in the Word of God.

·And prayer: at all times and in every way.

Put on the whole armor and invite God into your mess. Let it be His power that conquers your home and gives you peace.

Prayer: Father, help me to make good use of the tools You’ve made available to me in Your Word—those that can change me from the inside out and prepare me for battle—so that I can be all You desire me to be for those I love most. In Jesus’s name, amen.