A PERFECT FITTING

Big and ferocious things were not strange encounters or battles to David. This shepherd boy had to learn at an early age how to kill animals several times his size, weight and speed. His flock of sheep depended upon him.

Fast forward to David's encounter with Goliath and David is protecting a particular flock once again - the nation of Israel. One of the big takeaways from this battle is what happened just prior to David walking out on the battlefield. 1 Samuel 17:38-40 says,

"Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.

'I cannot go in these,' he said to Saul, 'because I am not used to them.' So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."

Most of us know the rest of the story, David showed everybody how to get ahead or a head (hahaha-a little biblical humor there). Meanwhile, David taught us the lesson of wearing the armor that was perfectly suited for us. 

God took David's shepherd-like qualities and militaristic skills as a boy, developed them in the pasture, then promoted him and his next set of lessons to that of a higher level - Shepherd, General, and King of Israel. 

God does the same for us, especially if we surrender our hopes, dreams and expertise to Him. 

"Let me ask you this question: Do you still ask your mother to dress you? .....that is exactly what many believers do! When they come to church on Sunday or to midweek service, knowing they haven't been in the Word all week long, they are saying, 'Preacher, would you please dress me in my armor? Would you put my belt on me?

Understand this: The teaching of the Word from the pulpit should only confirm what you have already heard God say personally to you through His Word during the week.

It's intended by the Holy Spirit to pull the belt that is already on you a little tighter.

...righteousness fits even better. ...sense of peace is locked on even more securely." (pp.278-279, Dressed To Kill, Rick Renner)

Willing minds and hearts before The Creator yields God taking what He has already blessed us with and developing us into the man or woman His Plan had for us all along.

However, there are at least two outfits that God has supernaturally made for Christians that believers should be wearing everyday. These outfits are The Great Commission Outfit and The Armor of God Outfit. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers in Christ are highly encouraged to keep a reply always on the tip of your brain and tongue for those who would ask about your faith in Christ.

• "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

When the choice comes to wearing armor, you might comment, "I am a cook." Or "I am the stable-boy." Or "I am the seamstress of the kingdom." An enemy gives no mind to these things as he slaughters you. It is the same with the The Enemy of our soul. The enemy cares not about your rank or occupation, he will kill you, steal all from you and corrupt you unto destruction just the same. This is why, for those Christians who think they fill a less important militaristic role in God's Kingdom - they are dead before they even begin their ministry with Christ - they need to suit-up with The Armor of God also.

One element that some need to be reminded of is - to stand. After all this care to arm yourself or re-arm oneself - stand. After taking care of yourself, God's Armor and renewing those pieces on our Spirit-man or Spirit-woman - Stand! Even after entering the battle, don't run away from the challenge or conflict - stand! Observe how many times the command - "to stand" - comes in Ephesians 6:10-17, The Armor of God.......

• "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (6:11)
• "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (6:13)
• "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," (6:14)

Christians whether they acknowledge the concept or not are in a daily struggle that is unseen.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)

The Enemy is trying to win battles because he knows he has lost The War. It does not matter where one is in the Christian journey - whether one just accepted Christ or is a seasoned saint - we all need God's Armor, but then we need to stand! And we can take great confidence in knowing that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) Just remember, God has supplied us with His Armor which for every believer is A Perfect Fitting.