Ring.
Ring.
“Hello. You’ve reached Jeremiah 33:3 and will be connected immediately with no waiting time to speak to God.”
“Yes.” I lowered my fist in a victory signal. “Hello, God.”
“Good morning, my daughter. I love you, today.”
“I love you, too, Lord. I was reading Ephesians 6:14 today about my breastplate of righteousness. I think mine has slipped. It’s a bit dinted, and there are a few holes in it, too, where the devil’s fiery darts attacked me.”
“Yes. That happens. I seem to recall a few years back when the enemy was especially on your case. Right before you were going to teach that little class of ten fifth graders in VBS. The pastor had had an exasperating day, and you witnessed his unpleasant conversation with the VBS director. But you left before you could witness your pastor begging for forgiveness. You thought some impure and critical thoughts that day.”
“Uh, oh. I remember. Yes, I lost some of my enthusiasm about VBS.” I drew a long breath and blew it out. Surely God heard my frustrated sigh. “These days, Lord, I find my thoughts sliding into judgmental and selfish notions. I’m always asking what’s in it for me. I don’t like my attitude, but the thoughts keep coming. Can I put in an order for a new breast plate?”
A soft chuckle. “Your old one is perfect because I made it. If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone. Don’t fear, my child. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world. “
Again, I exhaled a long breath. “Thank you, Lord, my God and my Savior.” I hung up and read Ephesians
6: 14 one more time.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”:
Dear Lord, I’ve lived in this world long enough to know Your people are in a spiritual battle, yet You have not left us as orphans but provided weapons of warfare. Help me each day to seek truth in Your holy word and arm myself with the breastplate of righteousness. Thank you that You are greater than our enemy. I love you. Amen.”