But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told the chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded."
1 Kings 22:34 NIV
God is a God of order, peace, control, perfection, and light. In our fractured world, there is much darkness where randomness, chance, evil, and suffering occur. Our challenges are not against powers and principalities, but rather against the forces of evil.
To participate in the battles we face, we must as Paul explains in Ephesians 6, put on the armor of God. To put on the armor of God, we must remain in God, in Christ, and in Spirit. The word abide, with the meaning to dwell or stay, comes to mind.
In view of this fallen world there are many drawn bows, attractions, or idols that can potentially draw us away from the true path, draw us off the path to the right or to the left. To remain in Christ, we must rely on His grace, work, and gift of communion for forgiveness of our sin.
We are told in John 6:56 that whoever takes communion remains in Christ and Christ in him.
It is only by grace that we can remain in the battle. It is only by grace that we do not have to daily utter the words, "Wheel me around and get me out of the fighting, I've been wounded."
Give thanks for restoration and be vigilant for snares that can entangle. Put on the full armor of God and with the Spirit's guidance...abide in Christ.
How do you deal with random bow draws or arrows?
What kinds of actions might weaken, or place a hole in God's armor?
What actions might strengthen God's armor?
What are you doing with God's armor?
Pray for guidance and discernment in your daily walk.
In Christ,
David P
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