What percent chance of rain does it take for you to grab an umbrella before you leave the house?
Is 10% enough? Does it need to be 30% or higher? Caryn and I tend to bring an umbrella even if there is just a tiny chance of rain, because we don’t want to get caught off guard. If there is even a possibility that we may need it, we’d rather have it with us.
That got me thinking about how I treat my spiritual life. There is no forecast that tells me, “Today there is a 70% chance the enemy will try to distract you, discourage you, tempt you, or disrupt your faith.” But if we are being honest, the chances are pretty good.
And yet, I can still let my guard down.
I can go through the day not really thinking about the spiritual battle around me. I can get focused on work, errands, conversations, and whatever problem is right in front of me, and forget that the enemy is still trying to steal hope, stir up fear, and pull people away from God.
That’s why Ephesians 6:10-11 is such an important reminder: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
I don’t need the armor of God only on the hard days. I need it every day. I need truth when lies start to sound believable. I need righteousness when temptation feels close. I need faith when fear gets loud. I need salvation, God’s Word, and prayer because I am not strong enough on my own.
The good news is, God does not ask me to stand in my own strength. He tells me to be strong in Him and in His mighty power.