All in Protection
When we are in a serious dilemma do we find ourselves doubting in God’s ability to help us? When we are surrounded on all sides by a horde who would harm, or destroy us, do we feel lost? Well, fear not because our God is more than capable, and it is our own disbelief that prevents us from from seeing Him clearly, and witnessing His heavenly host that surrounds us... too numerous to count.
Standing guard over our faith is not an occasional duty, and requires constant attention day and night. It also means that we spend long monotonous hours walking the way, and watching for something out of the ordinary to occur; something good to celebrate, or bad to defend against. If we neglect our watch, we may well find ourselves lost, and many other souls along with us. This is why the military penalty for sleeping on guard duty during wartime is death, or some severe court marshal punishment. As Christians we are under the constant threat of attack. We are forever at war against sin... be diligent!
Where are you most secure, and where do you feel the greatest comfort and peace? We all need a refuge, and a safe place that settles us. No matter how powerful we may feel, or how protected we might think we are... there comes a time when we are uncertain, and fear creeps over our wall to invade our strongholds. This safe place is the sanctuary that no man can provide us, but in Jesus Christ we find all we need... even to the ends of the earth.
The world looks at the strength of the faithful, and not only marvels at it, but fears it, and looks for ways to subdue it. When you were first saved, and returned to your everyday life as a changed person, full of a new life and joy, how long did it take before those around you asked what made you so happy, and strong? Then... how long was it before they started trying to stick knives in your faith? Those living without a faith in God and Jesus Christ either want to be like us, or they look to bring us low once again so that they can feel safe in their lack of faith.
When you are tired, or in need of shelter in a storm, where do you turn? When all is lost, and you can’t provide for yourself where do you find sustenance? At every turn you may be pursued by an enemy, but is there a strong tower where you can take refuge? The answer is yes, and no matter the circumstances it is forever true and dependable... we dwell in our Lord.
In our lives we are in constant struggle against the dark and evil forces of Satan; how do we defend ourselves and drive him away? What is effective against him, and do we know how to use these tools we have been provided? To answer these questions we turn to Ephesians, and take solace and comfort in the power of the Holy Spirit.