I haven’t felt great the past few weeks and I really thought it was fall seasonal allergies. My eyes have been more watery. My nose a little drippy. My voice a little raspy. I have a nasal spray that I use faithfully because I don’t want allergies to get in the way of life. But perhaps I’ve been using it far too long because my symptoms are much worse than they’ve been in the past.

However, this morning I think I may a cold on top of my seasonal allergies! Oh this aggravates me. I have too many things to do! I’m heading to my office this morning to finally paint and hang curtains. If I have to stop every three minutes to wipe my nose I’ll never get it done!

We have a big weekend ahead. Two gatherings tomorrow to enjoy with my husband and then vision Sunday at our Frederick campus. These are all important events and I need to feel my best. But it doesn’t look like that is going to be the case.

I simply don’t have time to be sick! I have managed to stay healthy for over a year. I’ve been around sick people, but have kept my hands washed and their germs off of me. But it didn’t work this time.

Why? Why this time? I’m not really sure, but with the start of a new job and all that goes with that and the combination of seasonal allergies, I guess the smallest germ attacked my system. It broke through all the defenses I worked so hard to build up. Defeat. Yes, this morning I feel defeated.

This cold reminds me of times when I’ve allowed my spiritual defenses to drop. It’s during those times that Satan knows exactly how to jump all over me and bring me down. When I’m too busy to spend quality time with God. When I’m so tired that I don’t want to spend quality time with God. Even when I’m sick, when my brain isn’t up to par because of medication to spend quality time with God. That’s when Satan attacks. When I am not at my best.

Unfortunately, these times are more frequent than I’d like. So Satan has plenty of opportunity to attack. But surely there is something I can do to prevent it, or to help ward off his attacks. Right? Yes! Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us the perfect weapons to “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

First, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and his mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” Without God’s strength and armor, we would be defenseless against Satan.

Then we are to put on:

The Belt of Truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet Fitted with Readiness

The Shield of Faith

The Helmet of Salvation

The Sword of the Spirit

With these tools and the understanding of how to use them, we can stand firm, be alert, and pray. I am so thankful for the tools that God gives us to prepare for battle! Don’t underestimate what God can do through you wearing His armor! So don’t allow your busyness, tiredness, or illness keep you from seeking God’s truths. Keep on keeping on. Stand firm. The battle belongs to God!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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