Reverend R.C. Trench (1807-1886) had a morbid fear of becoming paralyzed. One evening at a party, the lady he sat next to at dinner heard him woefully mumbling under his breath, “It’s happened at last…(my right leg is totally numb).” “Your Grace,” said the lady, “it may comfort you to learn that it is my leg you are pinching!”
I’m sure you have never worried about future things — stuff that might happen. Ya, right! When we’re young we wonder…
• Will I ever be married?
• Will I have a good career?
• How am I gonna pay for my education?
• What interruptions might impact my career?
I read about one young lady who was an exceptionally talented violinist, advancing in her career, performing in many local concerts. She suddenly became ill and her doctor told her she’d have to have an operation. She responded back,
“But doctor, I have concerts booked ahead. If you operate, can I be assured that I’ll be able to play the violin within a few weeks’ time?” Her doctor’s immediate response was “Absolutely! In fact, the last patient on whom I performed this operation was playing the harp within twenty-four hours!”
Of course, with age comes increasing concerns — like…
• Will I have a retirement?
• What kind of a world will my kids, or my grand-kids have?
• What will my health be like?
• Will I be able to afford medical care?
Two senior-adults were discussing this very thing: “Our doctor,” said one to the other, “is so awesome! If you can’t afford an operation, he touches up the x-rays!”
If there’s one thing virtually every human being is good at, it’s worry! Do you think the devil is aware of this? Worry is one of his most clever temptations! Being anxious is just what he wants us to do because worry is a form of idolatry! In the final analysis, worry is nothing more than taking an object, person, circumstance, etc., and making it bigger than God! Folks, that’s idolatry! The Bible clearly says “My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
That means we’ve nothing to worry about! When we worry we are saying our concern, our situation, our need is stronger, mightier, bigger than God!
In the New Testament, Christians are repeatedly admonished to resist the devil (e.g. James 4:7). The essential equipment needed for the job is the armor of God, listed by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18. We’ve been learning about this anti-Satan “gear” in this new devotional series entitled
Standing Firm — Growing Strong
Nowhere does the Apostle Paul provide definitive definitions for each piece of armor — with the possible exception of the sword. I think I’ve come up with reasonable possibilities for each one. We’ve said that the BELT OF TRUTH (v. 14a) refers to a “growing knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and how they apply to life.” The BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (14b) is “knowing who we are in Christ and resisting Satan with that truth when he attacks our identity in Christ.”
Today we’ll consider yet another component of spiritual armor: The GOSPEL OF PEACE. In Ephesians 6:15 Paul writes “…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
No soldier goes into battle barefoot! In ancient times, wars were fought primarily in hand to hand combat. Sure footing was critical — and ensured for the Roman soldier by wearing the hobnail sandal (spiked sandal) which enabled him to have his feet planted firmly when fighting in face to face combat.
Like the Roman soldier, we as believers need to have our feet firmly planted, our feet fitted and ready if we’re to take a stand against Satan’s schemes. This sure footing is provided by the gospel of peace: “Overcoming worry with the promises of God.”
Sure footing in combat with Satan is essential. He uses worry, tension, anxiety to knock us off balance. Having our “feet fitted with the gospel of peace” means to be firmly planted in the promises of God’s Word. As we act on God’s promises, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds and we’ll not be knocked flat on our backs by the enemy.
How do we act on God’s promises? First of all, we must CUT WORRY DOWN TO SIZE! Only a small percentage of our concerns (8-10%) are legitimate. Jesus said “Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
This leaves us with the necessity of dealing with legitimate concern! How do we do this? First of all, BE REALISTIC: God has called us to a life of faith (Hebrews 11:6). For faith to grow God places us in challenging contexts!
Next, BE REASSURED: God always keeps His promises (Titus 1:2). Peace and rest come as we let go of worry and wait patiently on God. We should live as though we already have His answer. That’s faith!
Ya know, I’ve never seen a robin hovering at a street corner with a sign dangling from his neck: “Will work for food!” How many sparrows have you seen with an ulcer? Jesus said, “If God so cares for the birds of the air, how much more will He care for you, oh you of little faith!”
His provision, as we wait upon Him, is the gospel of peace:
Overcoming worry with the promises of God!
