Belt of Truth

“Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth . . .” Ephesians 6:13, 14 NLT

It was early May and I was two-thirds through a course which guides the participants through a process that reveals their unique purpose in God’s Kingdom. Each week’s exercises explores different aspects of us including core values, personality traits, spiritual gifts, key life experiences, natural abilities, learned skills, and passions. By that point, we had discovered our own personal mission statement and were ready to complete the remaining classes to learn how to take the words and put them into action. This is when my trouble started. I was under attack!

Just when I felt confident, and even joyful, in accepting my uniqueness as given by God for a purpose, and not deficient as I was used to thinking, evil forces moved in to undermine my involvement in God’s Kingdom. “Oh, you don’t really think that other Christians want your services, do you? This church already has someone else offering the service you want to offer – you’re not needed in this church. Really, with your osteoarthritis you need to take more time to take care of yourself rather than spending time encouraging others' faith. What about your other commitments? You are too busy to take on a new commitment.” And so it went. In May, I wrote a blog called, “Overwhelmed,” in which I shared the situations leading to a stress attack. But, I knew the truth!

The truth was that I was under attack from the devil. The Apostle Paul warns about the “strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms” (vs. 11, 12). Fortunately, I knew the truth of my attack because I read the Bible on an almost daily basis. I listen carefully to sermons. I read about other Christian’s experiences in ministry. I knew that the devil only attacks believers who are actually doing something to advance the Kingdom of God. I knew about his evil attacks from previous personal experiences. However, I knew that I must “be strong with the Lord’s might power” (vs. 10). Putting on all of God’s armor would enable me to stand firm against this evil.

By strapping God’s Belt of Truth around my waist, I accessed the advantages of this first piece of armor - the advantages of having God on my side. God is the most powerful being in the universe (Genesis 1, Job 38-41). God has already dealt with the devil and has numbered his days (Revelation 20:10). God uniquely created me with purpose – I am of value to Him (Psalm 139). God paved the way, through the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, for me to spend eternity with Him in heaven, rather than in hell with the devil (John 3:16, 17). God’s Holy Spirit is living in me, guiding me to God’s Truth and reminding me of Christ’s teachings (John 14:15-26). God leads me victorious!

It is two months later, now, and I continue to stand firm in my belief that God has a unique purpose for me. Although this purpose changes from season to season, and year to year, He still has plans for me to influence others on their faith journey. The Truth is that God’s love for me deflects the feelings of defeat and uselessness thrown at me by the evil one. The Truth is that God is my refuge and my fortress, Jesus is my saviour, and the Holy Spirit reigns in me. The Truth is that with Him, I shall overcome!

Dear Readers: Are you struggling right now in your service in God’s Kingdom? Are you questioning your effectiveness? Are you weighed down by disappointment or defeat? Turn to God. Let Him deflect the fiery arrows sent by the evil one. Strap on God’s Belt of Truth and the rest of the His armor. Strap this Truth onto your consciousness: “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need” (Philippians 4:13). Then you, too, shall overcome!