¹³This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.¹⁴Stand, therefore,

with truth like a belt around your waist,
righteousness like armor on your chest,
¹⁵and your feet sandaled with readiness
for the gospel of peace.
¹⁶In every situation take the shield of faith,
and with it you will be able to extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is God’s word.
(Ephesians 6:13-17 HCSB)

There are times when I question the reason something happens. To me, it seems fruitless. I ask myself, “What was the point?” But, just because I don’t understand the point doesn’t mean there wasn’t a point.

I’ve been trying to get the boys in the Boy Scout troop to implement something new. I believe it would benefit them in their growth; more for the younger boys, than the older. Yet, I’m getting more slack from my older boys. They don’t see the purpose. They have already learned the lesson.

I realize now, that I have to get them to see that just because it doesn’t benefit them doesn’t mean it won’t benefit others. It’s not always about them. Sometimes we have to go through things so that others can reap the benefits. The older boys can help by setting the example so that the younger boys can receive the maximum benefit.

Likewise, I just went to a job interview yesterday. I was not actively seeking a new job. I received a phone call out of the blue to come to the interview. Part of me was divided; I like my current job, though it is only part-time, it allows me time to write. The job interview for a full-time position, we could certainly use the money, but I would virtually have no time to write.

I didn’t get the job. There was a moment when I thought I might get the job. Why would God present this opportunity if it wasn’t true? Then, when it didn’t happen, I wondered, “What was the point?”

I think that maybe it wasn’t for my benefit. I am comfortable in where God has placed me. I believe the income I bring in is enough to keep us afloat. And, I have time to write, to hone my craft, and to write devotionals.

It seems to me, that perhaps, it was a lesson more for my husband than for me. My husband is a good provider and a loving husband and father. But, he worries about money. He wants me to have a full-time job. But, it’s hard to take a stand and trust instead of relying on your own power.

One of the best examples of taking a stand and relying on God’s power can be found in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. The King allowed him to journey to his native land, Jerusalem because the walls were in disrepair. There were many people around the area who opposed Nehemiah rebuilding the walls, but he stood his ground believing it was the will of God.He knew that God was with him; fighting the battle for him.

No, I don’t see the boys in the troop as evil. No, I don’t see the job interview as evil. No, the evil is in the Devil keeping me from God’s work, keeping the boys from learning what they need to learn to be mature men, and keeping my husband from relying on God.

Lord, help me to know what Your will is for me and to stand firm in that belief. Thank You for using me to Your Glory. May I always seek your will.