Zephaniah 3:8 “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD.

Throughout the Bible we are enjoined to wait for the Lord. No matter how bad the situation looks at the moment, wait for the Lord. No matter how powerless you feel, no matter how dark the way ahead, wait for the Lord. That’s good advice! We are not to deny or ignore our current circumstances, but we are to remember that God is greater than all of that, not to mention more powerful, and His plan is perfect. This is not a passive waiting but an active obedience, choosing to trust and therefore obey. We have a lot of trouble doing that! Of course the devil tries to stop such trusting obedience, but sometimes it seems like he doesn’t have to try very hard! That’s why it’s vitally important that we stay clad in the armor God provides, (Ephesians 6:10-18) because otherwise we’re easy targets. Waiting for God means being faithful at the immediate task at hand, not being anxious about next year, next month, or even the next minute. That again is easier to say than to do! However, anxiety comes from lack of faith. Since faith is the shield that quenches the fiery arrows of the enemy, (Ephesians 6:16) failing to exercise the faith we have already been given leaves us rather like a pincushion! We are to stand firm in Christ, not depending on ourselves in any area but trusting Him to be strong in us when we have no strength ourselves. That is waiting on God, and we are assured that if we will do that, we will find our strength is replaced with His, and we will mount up on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

This is certainly timely! As this church moves more and more into what God has planned for us, the spiritual opposition is becoming more intense. That’s not a reason to despair, but to rejoice! However, I’m not to be passive, but rather cover each of the believers in prayer, praying for them by name multiple times a day. I’m also to train them in spiritual warfare, and the message I’ve just been given on Armor is an important step in that. I’m to be gentle with the wounded, but absolutely unyielding against the enemy. I am to be on guard not only for the flock, but also for my own soul, because I am what is called a “high value target.” That’s not pride, it’s recognizing that every shepherd is targeted, and all the more so as they become more effective. I am not to be afraid on either front, for myself or for the sheep, but submit to God and resist the devil, so that he may flee. (James 4:7)

Father, thank You for this strong Word. Thank You for starting to speak it to me from last night. Guide me in my obedience, that I may be fully effective in binding up wounds and setting captives free, so that together we may stand up as a mighty army, tearing down the strongholds of the enemy, for Your kingdom and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!