Armor On?

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Finally, after three years of anticipation, this summer our Wolf River apple trees were loaded with fruit. When the dwarf trees were planted, we were told that in three to five years they’d produce an unbelievable amount of grapefruit size apples. Each one- pound apple would be enough to fill a pie!  Now, we only had to wait until September to pick the apples and get cooking.

The varmints beat us to it. A large black buzzard perched on the top of the trees, yanking at the stems and poking its beak and claws into the fruit. Squirrels climbed from the bottom of the trees, grabbing an apple at a time, taking a few bites, and tossing the rest for the groundhog, opossum, and raccoon. What they didn’t devour, the deer did.

We hadn’t given thought to protecting the apple trees from wildlife. They were thriving, and we had our hearts set on pie. Now the trees are stripped of fruit.

God knew that we’d need to be protected from what might prey on us. He provided us with “armor,” so we can stand strong in Him and live fruitful lives.  Of course, as with our apple trees, the armor needs to be in place before any threat or opposition. God’s armor (righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God) can be “put on” daily through prayer, meditation, and Bible reading.

Father, help me to consistently wear Your armor, so I can stand against anything that might interfere with or challenge my being fruitful for You.

© 2012 Nance