Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

When is the last time you saw a football player run onto the field without wearing pads? They know how dangerous that would be. Football pads are very expensive but totally necessary. Without them injuries would occur that would know the player out of the game. The team owner is willing to provide the best equipment so his players can perform at maximum efficiency.

Our owner, God, has spared no expense in providing us with the breastplate of righteousness. The cost was the life of His dear Son on the cross. Without His righteousness we would be doomed and defeated by sin. But when we are covered by His blood and righteousness we are safe from any condemnation for His righteousness protects us.

While the belt isn’t the most glamorous part of a football players uniform, he’s in trouble without it! Thigh pads would pull his pants down and hinder his progress. It wouldn’t take much for him to trip and fall. Without our belt of truth we’ll trip and fall as well. The enemy slips us eyes to cause us to stumble. Only by knowing and applying God’s truth can we keep our spiritual balance.

Another very important part of a football players equipment is his footwear. Correct foot wear is necessary to prevent injury and to provide stable footing for running and cutting. If a player is slipping and sliding he is worthless to his team. Players have dozens of different shoes to choose from to assure stable footing and safety.

God also provides an outer wall of protection, our shield of faith. Just as a good stiff arm can keep a tackler from us, so a strong faith in God can keep doubt and fear away. This is our outer protection.

God provides His followers with “sandals of peace” so we can enjoy our safe footing in Him and stand secure against anything the enemy throws against us. Operating from a base of peace is the only way to move on to victory in life. God provides that for us as well.

Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:44, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Reflect

• Ask God to show you any lies of the enemy you are believing. How are they causing you to stumble? What truth of God can you use to defeat these lies?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

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Posted on January 18, 2009