Ephesians 6:13-17 – Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (ESV)

I had a telephone call today from a friend. He was suffering with a return of anxiety stimulated by the necessity for a colectomy and other things. He needed to talk to someone about his situation, and as his old mentor, I was the person he chose to ring. He had lost, for the moment, his trust in the love of his Saviour, in the face of severe hardship and possible death. I listened and prayed with him, and then I went to my group of intercessors, and they prayed with me, too.

This afternoon, having arrived home, I found a butterfly in the office, so I opened a window and gently directed its path with my hand and let it out. I sensed that God was involved with this event. It is clear to me now that I must again help this old friend retrace his steps back to the solid ground of the peace found in Jesus.

When Jesus dealt with those He questioned and healed, He did not look at them disapprovingly with a glare. Jesus was not put off by situations but recognized a person's need and had compassion.

So, I know that when I visit my old friend to comfort him, God will go before me and grant me the wisdom and compassion needed not to judge or to try a quick fix, nor to look disapprovingly because he has let go, but rather to pray into the situation and allow his soul to breathe more easily and to find solid ground once more.

I sent him a prayer based on today's Scripture, for which he was thankful. He was upheld in prayer.

Let us say this prayer together today and know that God goes before us:

Prayer: Today, I choose to stand my ground. I choose to secure the belt of truth around my waist and wear righteousness as my breastplate.

As I readily place my feet inside the shoes of peace, I choose to stand my ground.

I lift up the shield of faith, knowing that it stops every fiery arrow.

I tighten the helmet of salvation on my head so that, like my feet, it will remain firm and rooted in what is true and honourable, right and pure, lovely and admirable.

I release the sword of the Spirit from my side as I remember that the Father goes ahead of me, as I cling to Jesus, as I lean on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

I choose to stand my ground! I choose to advance! I choose Jesus! Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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