April 27, 2011 started off with a bang as straight-line winds blew through my area, downing trees and power lines. I thought the worst was over as I gingerly traversed a number of problem areas on my way to work, but it was only the beginning. I was already back home and watching the nightly news for a weather update when I saw a live feed of a tornado touching down in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It was shocking, but I figured it would blow out before it reached my side of the state, so I carried on as usual. An hour or so later the storm had not subsided at all and was headed toward me. I grabbed my cats and a blanket and pillow and hunkered down in the bathroom floor just before I lost power. My only communication for weather updates was through texts from a friend. The cats, who were normally jumpy by nature, were unusually calm. Meep, still a kitten at the time, burrowed under the bathroom rug at my side and was quiet. Goldie, my Maine Coon crawled into my lap and lay down in quiet dignity and purred. I felt my own fears subside as I waited for the coming storm. It hit with a fury of wind and lightning. I knew the minute it had passed because the cats got up and went to the door and looked at me expectantly. It was over. You see the cats had the right idea. I had prepared the best that I could by sheltering in place and praying for protection and peace. There was nothing else I could do except wait it out.
Storms are inevitable. Our first instinct is to run away from danger. We begin to imagine all of the possible negative outcomes, but riding the “what if” bus will get you nowhere because its route is an infinity loop. It just keeps taking on more passengers and going in circles. We don’t know what the future holds, and we weren’t meant to. Acts 1:7 says, “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” Therefore, we can run or we can choose to face the storm. I recently heard a guest on a Dave Ramsey video discussing the different ways animals deal with storms. When cows see a storm coming, they try to run away from the storm, but eventually the storm will catch up with them. Buffaloes, on the other hand, run into the storm. In the end, they spend less time in the storm because it passes over them. When we face our troubles head on, then we spend less time in the situation. We can stand in peace knowing we have done what we can do, and leave the rest to God.
When the storms come, Ephesians 6:13 says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” The verses that follow describe the armor:
- Helmet of Salvation – When we have salvation, we know the end of the story (John 3:16).
- Belt of Truth – Be cautious where you get your information (John 8:32).
- Breastplate of righteousness – It is Christ’s righteousness we are putting on (Philippians 3:9).
- Sandals of the gospel of peace – Have the peace that God gives (John 14:27).
- Shield of Faith – Have faith that God will work things out (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Sword of the Spirit – The sword is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
God has given us armor, but we have to put it on in order for it to be effective. Once you put it on, the only thing left to do according to the last part of verse 13 is just stand. In times like these we need spiritual armor even more than we need masks and gloves. The enemy wants to take your peace and turn you into the worst version of yourself through fear. Instead, put on the armor and do what you can do. Wash your hands, follow social distancing, and find a way to serve others. The armor only protects your front because God has your back. So, stand and face the storm secure in the knowledge that God will walk with us until the storm passes by.
Beautiful post. Be well!!
OMGoodness. I can remember being on my way to Redstone Arsenal when the tornadoes tore through the area several years ago. I too prayed the Armor of God to protect me. We diverted to Nashville, but I can remember the area was closed for what seemed months. Isn’t it wonderful to know we can trust our Lord to bring us through the storms in our lives? God’s blessings ma’am.
I’ve read several posts recently about God’s armor … that usually means He’s trying to tell me something! Thanks for the reminder and for sharing!
“God has your back!” That’s so reassuring and He has our front, too. This is such a timely message for us during this crisis. Thank you. (P.S. I didn’t know buffalo ran into the storms. Thanks for that new knowledge. We have cows and horses and they aren’t so smart). Wishing you a blessed Easter.