Doubt and Strength
How strong are you?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts. Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 6:10-24
Sometimes I feel I can take on the world. Usually, though, that occurs when I feel I am in alignment with God.
I can't describe how I get that feeling or what it is like other than saying a wave of confidence overcomes me.
It is as though nothing can harm me or knock me off course.
Yet as strong as that feeling is, all it takes is an ounce of doubt to pierce my armor and collapse my defenses.
That doubt can come from anywhere. It could present itself in a question whose answer is uncertain. Or it could materialize in a simple hesitation.
Our strength comes from God, but our doubt comes from us.
There is no reason to doubt God, and yet we invite doubt in when we begin to question ourselves.
Paul wants us to envision ourselves clothed in God so that doubt cannot enter in. But since doubt comes from within, we may need a different picture to focus on.
I imagine an x-ray of the body. The skeleton is the strength provider of the body, and yet, alone, without the muscles and tendons holding it together, it cannot stand.
It takes all of the components of the body to stand strong and make its way through the world.
So, maybe we should imagine that God's Holy Spirit is inside, holding us together.
That way, no matter what happens to the armor, we can remain standing.
More to come...