In preparing for a women’s luncheon where I had planned to deliver a devotional message, relating to aprons (the theme of the day), I was at a loss.  Sure, I had developed plenty of ideas and metaphors linking the use of aprons to our every day lives, but none of them seemed to ring true when they came out of my mouth.  Why? Because I’m not an apron-wearing gal. 

Of course, I care for my family to the best of my ability, including daily meal preparation, however, the cooking/hostess gene must have been completely eradicated from my genetic makeup.  At times, as I dine with friends who present beautifully crafted meals in their perfectly decorated homes, my weakness in  this area causes me anxiety, as I long to be more like them in so many ways.  So, when I was asked to give a devotional related to culinary things to a room full of domestic geniuses, I was at a bit of a loss when the metaphors didn’t come naturally. 

However, God is good, and gave me a message, instead, from Ephesians 6 – The Armor of God.  I figured that a woman’s armor in the kitchen (her apron) is perhaps a small expression of the greater spiritual armor God has provided for her to wear on every occasion.  And, since I’m much more comfortable fighting than cooking (just ask my husband), the message flowed through my heart and mind clearly.  How the message came across verbally might be another story, as each piece of armor is so loaded with power and endowed with such significance, it was a bit exhausting trying to fit them all into one lunchtime devotional – exhausting for the listener and for me as the speaker as well. 

Here, in an attempt to make this essential passage of scripture more digestible, I’ve broken it up into seven sections – one for each piece of armor. Even we women need to focus on one thing at a time every once in a while!  As you read what God has prepared for us, remember that He has called us as women to be “clothed with strength” (Prov. 31:25) and that a woman of “noble character”, which is an army term used to describe valor or bravery, is worth far more than fine gems (Prov. 31:10).  In noting this, you will find that the armor of God, which uses the armor of a Roman soldier to exemplify and relate to the spiritual power God has endowed us with, is as fitting for a woman in her daily life as it is for a soldier in the fiercest of battles.

*I will publish one section (one piece of armor) at a time - hopefully one per day.*

Belt of Truth