I posted this earlier today, and after a very wise comment from a friend, I decided it needed some tweeking. During the tweek the entire post and comments were lost on the blog. I apologize! But here is my second attempt. Hopefully I’ve explained my thinking better!
Finally, 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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).
I confess. I’m very trusting. I worry very little about my kids in the public school system. But this year as my baby goes back to high school, I am more aware of dangers there. So, this morning as I prayed, this scripture came to mind. And I began to pray for my children to be clothed in the armor of God. We need all of the armor, but my focus today has been the helmet of salvation. I am so aware of my own mental battles and the need for that helmet!
As I studied this morning I thought back to the time I allowed Drew to ride a bike without his helmet when he was young. It was a spring day in Massachussetts; we were desperate to play outside and rushed out to ride bikes. I didn’t even think of helmets! I was jogging behind him as he and Stephen rode. But their casual ride soon became a race as most brotherly bike rides do pedalling down a large hill.
It was like a scene out of a movie. Fear raced up my chest as I watched Drew begin to lose control of his bike. As I tried to run faster, I fell farther and farther behind. Then fear became reality as I watched his bike flip and Drew literally flew through the air landing on his face. A neighbor ran out of her house reaching him before I could get to the scene. Bloodied and bruised, he miraculously made it through the accident with no serious damage. I felt like a terrible mom.
I no longer let him ride his bike without a helmet.
If a bicycle helmet is that important how much more their spiritual head-gear!
I think of all the pieces of the armor, the helmet may be the one we might forget to put on before the battle, but it is so very important.
We need them all, but if you had to choose just one, what would it be? What is your weakest area?
Much grace,
andy
