Pray!

Pray!

praying at all seasons, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching unto this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; Ephesians 6:18 DARBY

Today's extract flows from the account of the armour of God, where Paul lists all the parts to the armour. It has always been said that there is no cover for the back, so there is no option for retreating. However, for all the parts, there is a function and a role to play for the wearer. The parts of the armour protects you the wearer from all that the devil brings. Where then is the place of other believers like you in the fight? 

In addition to the parts of the armour, I am asked to pray. I can be all dressed up, ready for battle, yet courage fail in the face of the pressure of war. I can be all dressed and ready like all ten virgins, yet due to some measure of comfort, I doze off and I am not watchful. Today's extract gives some words of comfort and challenge that whilst I am still in this human body, I cannot become careless. 

And there is no safe season until I exchange this mortal body for immortality. There is no demilitarised zone where the devil will keep off, unless the Lord limits his operation. So, as I take up each part, I am arming myself for battle, but I do it with prayer, asking God for the grace, wisdom and strength to rely on Him daily and to never think I have it a figured out on my own. 

The type, manner and length of prayer are all mentioned; it is all manner of prayer and supplication, in all seasons, and in the Spirit. After all, it is spiritual warfare, and the physical weapons have no place here. And as I pray, I also watch out for daily guidance on what to do. There will be times, like Joseph, where to run away is the wisest course of action. There will be other times that to stand and declare allegiance to God, like the three Hebrew boys, no matter what it may cost me, will be the best course of action. No matter what the situation requires, it is important to be guided by God. Only by a daily life of listening and obedience can God guide my steps and keep me from evil. 

So, this is not a stand on bank account balance, circle of influence or position and possession, but on the consciousness of the presence of God and the availability of His help. He does not promise comfort the type the world understands, but that when I have stood the test of time, and stood for Him, there is an eternal reward that will make all the sacrifices worth it. Have I met this God? Does He know me as His own? His time of favour is here.