Prepared and Fearless

We may try to skirt around it, but the truth is, tasks are only disposed of efficiently and proficiently when proper tools and techniques are used.

This is not a new concept for me, but sometimes I feel a job must be done without all the essentials in place. In other words, it needs to be completed ASAP. As in now!

Such was the case yesterday, when the kitchen floor desperately needed sweeping. The problem?

(1)   I was the only one home.

(2)   I was less than 1 week postsurgery.

(3)   I was on crutches.

(4)   I was not to be doing housework.

(5)   I could not wait a couple hours for someone to get home. The floor was disgusting!

Therefore, I took the matter into my own hands … uhh … broom, and swept. Now before you run off to tell my doctor or therapist, hear me out: I was careful. My crutches remained under my arms at all times. And I moved slowly. Very slowly. Like, a snail even left me in its wake!

Thankfully, I did accomplish the task. However, given the optimum tools (an able-bodied person), the job would have been completed in a timelier manner with better results.

Nonetheless, while inching across the floor with broom in hand, it dawned on me that this is how I tackle life as well. I jump in headfirst, without properly preparing or gathering the needed tools for what awaits. I try to manage on my own even if it means hobbling through.

God cautions us about using my tactic: toiling on a whim. Vulnerability walks with the one too rash to plan.

The Lord readily supplies all the essentials for pursuing life, first offering His vast strength, then His armor:

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

He wants us to be properly equipped, so we don’t just manage to get through life, but embrace it: conquering the enemy through Christ and receiving the glory of a job well done. We can be fearless in battle, knowing we have the Lord’s armor at our disposal. Armor so powerful, it extinguishes flaming arrows.

Don’t do life ill prepared. Become that able-bodied person. Grab God’s armor and fearlessly pursue a life of victory!

“Stand therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word” (Ephesians 6:14–17).

How do you pursue life? Do you run headlong into battle, fearless, but hobbled by being ill-equipped? Or are you one that shakes in your well-armored body as you watch the fight from the far hill or the safety of a bomb shelter? Join me in being prepared and fearless, equipped by the full armor of the one true Commander, Jesus Christ.

Linking with the Faith Barista for her Thursday Jam on fearless. Click on over and read other inspiring thoughts.

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