Simply to Thy Cross I Cling

It has been a long time since I have posted a new entry on my blog. Since I have been led to start the Caring Ministry, it seems that I have been "bombarded" by the fiery darts that Satan is hurling at me. In the course of these events, I have done as the beautiful hymn, "Rock of Ages" tells us: Simply to Thy cross I cling.

I spoke to a sister in Christ that I have the blessing and privilege of sharing with in a Community Life Group experience, and it seems that many of us who are striving to obey God's calling are encountering the same struggle. We agreed that this should be taken as a POSITIVE sign. In other words, if we were not headed the right way, more than likely Satan would leave us alone or at least not be putting as much effort into trying to discourage us.

Unfortunately, many Christians don't give Satan enough credit. He IS powerful. We are told in Ephesians 6:12, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." (NLT) Despite this ominous warning from the apostle Paul, we are secure in our knowledge that our God is MORE powerful.

In God's love letter to us, Paul goes on to tell us in that same passage, how to prepare ourselves for this battle. God does not let us try to figure it out on our own. In verses 10-11, Paul states, "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." (NLT)

And he continues in verses 13-18 to clarify what God is telling us. "Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere." (NLT)

Now I don't know about you, but if I were to go to Vail, Colorado in the middle of winter, I would not be found on the top of the slopes in a tank top and shorts. Why then, do we as Christians, try to go into battle spiritually "underdressed"?