Being Protected

Being Protected

All the elements fell into place. There was a large bare spot in the lawn, I had the tools to work up the dirt, grass seed was in my possession, and the weather was good for planting. So, I thought it would be a good time to get this job off my to-do list.
As I started to scratch the ground and pull out the old dead grass, I remembered I had forgotten something; my gloves (in the old days we called them hand shoes). I felt the pressure on the palm of my hand, but I thought, "I don't want to take the time to go all the way back and get them, my hands are tough enough for this, I don't need that protection."
You can probably tell (because I'm writing this) that wasn't the case. It felt uncomfortable but I pressed on. I couldn't see anything where the pain was, so I finished. After I was done with all the sprinklers in place, the tools put away, and I was washing my hands, I found it. A dime size blister on the palm of my left hand. I was the worse for wear!
Now I had to put up with the blister. I couldn't grab anything I needed to twist for fear of ripping the that blister open. So, it wasn't only the blister, but the inability to do certain tasks. All because I didn't want to take the time to get my gloves, and I thought my hands were up to the job. Foolish isn't it?!
Well, I've learned my lesson. This may also help you. Not just in physical labor, but in spiritual things as well. Let me explain.
In our daily activities and interactions we face all sorts of difficult events, people and temptations. God has given us His armor for our protection. Not only protection but also so we can do the job correctly. You can read about it in Ephesians 6:10-18.
We face difficult people, circumstances, trying decisions and pressures every day. Many people deal with them in their own power, understanding or wisdom. In spite of the fact that God has provided us protection.
Like my reasoning about my gloves, "I don't want to take time to pray about this, I know how to handle it!" What a mistake. Just as I had to deal with the inconvenience of my blister, people who face life without God's protection too, have to suffer through inconvenience because of their mistake.
I've known people who avoid people because a conflict wasn't handled with God's protection. Take lying for instance. The liar can't be at peace in a conversation, but has to suffer the fear of discovery or exposure. All because they try to face life with lies. Consider too, the person who faces life with drugs or alcohol. There are many "inconveniences" connected to that practice.
Take Paul's advice. Put on the whole armor of God so you can stand up strong and godly when life happens. That's the only right way to do life.

Pastor Chuck