Shopping has always been a great escape for me. When I’m upset, depressed or just plain bored, a good ol' trip to the mall can do wonders on my mental state. They say spending money releases good endorphins in your brain -- until, that is, you check your bank statement the next month!
There is one shopping trip you can take that won’t cost you a dime but will, however, fit you with new threads for where God is taking you. In Ephesians 6, Paul speaks of five must-haves in your wardrobe if you are going to stay strong while waiting on God. When doubt starts to fill you and trouble starts to cause you to doubt God's love and plan for your life, there is only one person to blame and that is Satan himself.
“Put on all of God’s armor so you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11. The devil wants nothing more than to trip you up and hinder you from bringing glory to the Lord. He doesn’t play nice and seems to step up his antics the more you focus on living a life pleasing to God. I have always wondered why it is easier to believe the words the devil is placing in my mind than it is to believe God and his written word.
As I sit here right now typing this blog and thinking about an area I’m trusting God with (I can multitask in my mind), Satan is driving me batty with thoughts that make me want to run from the very situation I’m believing God to work out. I guess I’m getting a true lesson on what I’m trying to convey to you.
The words the devil says can seem oh so real at the moment. When God speaks, it seems so distant. Though he speaks truth, it is hard to see the unseen. So why is it so important to wear the wardrobe Paul speaks of (the belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit)? You need them to battle the devil.
So I rip out my sword of the Spirit and point it straight at Satan and say, “I am a child of the most high God, and I believe my God is working in this situation and great glory will be brought to him through me, so get behind me, Satan.” Sometimes that is all I need to say and then I’m filled again with God’s peace. When I need more than just my sword, I bring up my shield to protect my heart from Satan's continued attacks and put on my helmet to keep God’s word running through my brain. There are times when you start your morning off in your bedazzled wardrobe, but it feels as though it is not protecting you. That's when you remember true warriors, even though they get knocked down, keep fighting and win the war. God will reward you for your battles.
Lindy Biglieni
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