Ephesians 6:13:- Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (ESV)
Recently I have been busy with the duty of jury service.
Leading up to the first day, in my brain a small boy was out and about again, causing havoc, screaming and sulking. I was full of the responsibility of the imposition, and dealing with the officialdom of a Crown Court. So, as any mature Christian would do, I prayed for God to bless me with His peace and His presence. Thankfully, God heard my prayers and straight away I was much encouraged and buoyed up to meet the day ahead.
However on my way in to the court the second day, fear gripped me worse than before. I had heard the prosecution’s case so I knew exactly what to expect. Sadly I had gone in my own strength, it seemed I had left Jesus at home.
I cornered that headless chicken again in my brain, and told it to go and play elsewhere, whilst I rebuked it in the name of Jesus, then I was overwhelmed by God’s love and grace! Fear will not listen to reason, it always argues! Fear can only be washed away with God’s Grace, Love and Authority.
The only way to overcome my apprehension was to lay down the stuff of man! All I needed was a trust in my God who hears my prayers! The knowledge of my previous experience of God’s provision helped me to pray in faith.
Sometimes we go through the tough stuff to increase our faith. I guess it is a part of the growing process! We call upon God’s presence in us, to protect us and guide our minds, hands and feet. The more we avail ourselves of Immanuel’s help, the more we can rest in His tender care, wherever that leads us, lion’s den, battlefield or bed.
PRAYER: LORD, You only are able to divide soul from spirit, You know the truth! We bow the knee before Your throne and ask for Your forgiveness of our sins. Please bless us with Your presence and cast away all ungodly fears. So that we can rest in Your divine Love, and still be found standing at the end of the day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Rod Marshall Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England