Shield

I've really been led to pray Ephesians 6 more and more since we've been home from China.  I know the enemy HATES adoption and over the past 12 weeks I've believed that more and more.  But, a few days ago as I put the armor on once again the Spirit of the Lord spoke the sweetest word to me.  He said, the shield protects you AND Grace right now!

When we took the courses on adopting an older child, we were advised never to put Grace in time out meaning sending her away from us as punishment.  Customary discipline says distance a child from you (or their friends) when they misbehave; send them to their room or put them in a corner or in time out for being bad. With a child who has suffered abandonment, they never need to be sent away.  Instead, we are to draw them in; bring them closer; tell them they have to stay right by you until they have a change of heart.  Interesting, huh?

I really think that's closer to how my heavenly Father disciplines me.  When I misbehave (and I do) He draws me in to teach me (if I will listen) and He reminds me how much He loves me and why He wants me to respond differently.  It's much harder as a parent because anger sometimes says "you're being bad and I want to be away from you right now!"

But, as I prayed and put on the "armor of the Lord"…the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the boots of peace...it hit me!  When I take up the shield of faith that extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy, as I draw Grace close…she is covered too!!  (Ephesians 6:10-18)  It's HUGE and she's small and she doesn't yet understand the story of God's love.  That word has been such a comfort to me in these weeks.

When we get dressed in the morning, it requires much more than cotton and polyester!

"Above all, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  (Ephesians 6:16)

"How blessed you are, O Israel!  Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD?  He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword!  Your enemies will cringe before you…"  (Deuteronomy 33:29)