Recently, I was listening to the song "Unstoppable" by Sia. The Lyrics say "I put my armor on, show you how strong I am / I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am / I'm unstoppable." The problem is that the rest of the song talks about how the armor is a false front, the image of acting in public to hide pain the song's protagonist doesn't want to share--or can't because they are too paralyzed by the fear of rejection to show real emotion or personality. How many other people wear this kind of armor?
A few days ago, I was studying this passage from Isaiah, and "Unstoppable" and its message popped into my head. I had to listen to God's still small voice in that moment, telling me to unpack the differences in armors and examine what armor I had on. I made a note to write about putting on God's armor; then, I promptly set it aside--along with a quick sketch of my blog. After a harrowing week of right versus might, I had to don my armor: God.
How quickly I fall into the trap of control! Just when I think I have everything in hand and under control, life shows me I don't, but I love Jesus. He's who I can turn to when I need the assurance of protection. Isaiah 25:4 (NIV) reminds me of God’s mighty power:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…
With God guiding my life, I don't have to put on an act or a false front or live with a false sense of protection. With God, I can just put His armor on and I am protected from any forces that come against me. People might come at me with their words and deeds that hurt. I might even have some flaws. (I know...surprising...right?) ...but...and this is the important part...when I put on God's armor and face the hurts and try to overcome the bad habits and talk to God about my fears, I can walk in confidence without hesitation knowing that God is protecting me, holding me up, and fighting with me through these battles. I can truly stand my ground...with God.
In Unstoppable, the lyrics say "Leave my sunglasses on while I shed a tear / It's never the right time...Break down, only alone I will cry out loud / You'll never see what's hiding out / Hiding out deep down." Friends, right now is the right time! Anytime is the right time to call out to Him!
I don't have to hide from God behind my shades. God sees through the smoke and mirrors. He sees all the way into my darkest places and brings the light. God knows my pain, and He can take out the root of that pain and heal my hurts: “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27, NIV). I don't have to hide behind a false front. I got God, and He's protecting me.
God’s power is so, so big! Even in those moments when I feel small, I can feel God's presence around me--big and powerful. How big must that love be that God would give humanity the life of His son! What a promise that God would give Jesus to show the world what love means acted out! As I celebrate the birth of Jesus and what this promise gives means for eternal life, I feel awe. With God, I am unstoppable! Spoiler alert: God wins in the end. This season is just the beginning....put your armor on--the armor of God.
Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Best,
Michelle