The Perfect Trap

Life's not perfect. No one ever said it would be. Our cars, our phones, our toys all come with manuals, why not life? Especially parents, we wish each child came with a manual with their personalities and character traits listed. People also wish marriage came with instructions. Perhaps the table of contents would say, "How to cheer up your wife during that special time of month" or "How to get your husband to open up more". Even single people may wish they would be married by a certain age or more accomplished than they are and constantly focus on what they don't have rather than what they do. Our teenagers wish every school gave out a pamphlet on bullies, fashion and avoiding traps that hormones can set.

But it doesn't work that way. If we had all the answers we wouldn't need a God who knows them. For Christians, life could especially feel harder even. We seem to have this superiority complex that makes us think we are above the world's problems. We may think we are invincible to depression, anxiety or failures. We may think we are immune to difficult children, financial stress,  betrayal and sickness. But we are not.

1 Peter 4:12-13 says, " Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. "

This Scripture is saying when you are going through something hard or even unfair, don't give up. That situation will be an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed in your situation if you will let Him. This is not just an obstacle, keeping you from living your "perfect life". A perfect life doesn't exist so give up that notion. I am not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but the sooner you can realize that  the sooner you can stop your pity party, put on your big boy/girl pants and face it. Face that issue, problem or whatever is stopping you in your tracks from being all that God created you to be. You won't realize who that person is until you open His word and read it for yourself. Guess what? It will tell you something different from what it told someone else. We all have different gifts and talents and in there, yours is listed and waiting to be realized and received.

Arm yourself with weapons of warfare that are plainly described in Ephesians 6. Don't just read about them, use them. The helmet of salvation is knowing who you are in Christ, finding your identity in Him, not in what your boss, spouse or parents say that you are. The breastplate of righteousness is staying in right standing with God, walking in strength, love and joy and operating in the fruits of the HHHoly Spirit. The belt of truth is not only reading God's Word but believing it! Believing it for yourself and your family, that whatever God's word said to you, will not return void! The shoes of the gospel of peace is pretty much what it says. Being determined to keep your peace in the midst of your circumstances will not only give you a different perspective on them, but show to others how you handle them. If you are the only Bible some may ever read, make sure to exhibit behavior God would be proud of. The sword of the Spirit, I believe is in speaking and proclaiming His truth for your situation. Speaking God's word on a daily basis will ruin the devil's day and bring a new hope to yours. The shield of faith is daily making the decision to trust in Him for any and all that may come your way mentally, physically, emotionally. When you make that decision of faith, then no weapon forged against you will pierce your armor. They may head your way, but not do any real damage.