Dressing for Battle

by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

The concept of scripture being a living and active part of experiencing God in our everyday lives has captivated me lately. It began with a quick prayer to cover and equip me for the known and the inevitable unknown battles I would be facing throughout my day. In an immediate response, the Holy Spirit whispered: “you have not been putting on your armor”. Without hesitation, I retrieved some old, tattered papers, where every space in the margins and on the back was completely filled with notes, scriptures, and quotes. It was my well-worn copy of Charles Stanley’s, “The Whole Armor of God Prayer” based on Ephesians 6:10-18. 

During a significant season of spiritual growth, this phenomenal daily prayer taught me to identify areas of weakness and the means by which to change my ineffective, defensive stance, into a confident and godly offensive perspective. It intertwines old and new testament scriptures and promises that inspire believers to engage in “God’s battle plan” activating the power that is available every moment of every day. It also seeks to guide us fearlessly into our purpose of defending, caring for, and serving others.

As I shared my renewed determination to go into every day fiercely armor-clad, I discover that the 2nd-grade class was studying that same passage of scripture (coincidence, I think not). They worked to secure those verses firmly in their hearts, discussing the power and purpose each piece of armor possessed. They grew in their understanding of the battle they face, the enemy’s tactics, and God’s provision. They created life-sized, and very interesting paper versions of themselves as armor-bearers; visual reminders of the unseen, ever-present protection of God.   

At our Grandparent and Special Friends’ Day celebration, the second graders proclaimed and preached Ephesians 6:10-18 boldly, and with great faith. In that moment I believe every guest in the room experienced the Word of God come alive in the hearts of these mighty warriors! It was such an overwhelming blessing to heartily agree that these grandparents indeed have the most amazing grandchildren, and share how our mission of discipleship is raising up a generation who are “strong in the Lord and his mighty power” Eph. 6:10.
 
– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal