Battle Ready #2 of 5 A Firm Foundation, June 11
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).
I knew I was possibly in for a tough day. Yesterday, a young man from the adolescent mental health unit where I worked had leveled a direct threat to me and a few other staff members. I was dressing for work. What would I wear? I decided to be ready for anything. A thick flannel shirt with a leather belt were two of the items I chose to don for the uncertainty ahead. Who knew if I would be confronted with physical assault? The young man was obviously hurting and in need of emotional care. However, with his history of violence, the risk of a physical altercation was real. My eyes were open, and I was prepared.
In our verse for today the Apostle Paul instructs Christians to put on these first two pieces of armor: a belt of truth and a breastplate of righteousness.
First, the belt of truth. The devil is described as a liar and the author of lies. Jesus is proclaimed to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The devil seeks to deceive while Jesus shines the light of truth into our hearts. Our Savior does not try to sugarcoat the challenges we confront. He plainly lays out our dilemma. He gives us truth in a world filled with lies.
We are also told to wear the breastplate of righteousness—God’s righteousness, not our righteousness. Jesus made everything right with God for us on the cross. He bore our sins and forgave us. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. We can only be right with God through Jesus, not by ourselves. That realization is humbling. I have to admit, I share one of the mantras of my nineteen-month-old grandson, “I do it myself!” I can be self-reliant to a fault. Lord, help me receive Your grace and forgiveness. May I proudly wear Your grace as a protective breastplate as I am constantly tempted to be self-righteous. Your righteousness releases me from my fruitless striving to justify myself.
Cancer may give rise to second-guessing yourself. Should I have eaten different food? Should I have gone to the doctor earlier? “Should” questions can mount up as boulders blocking the blessings of God. You may blame yourself for your illness. You may search for answers and comfort from within yourself. It’s hard to be ready for battle when you are doubting yourself. God yearns for you to turn to Him. His truth and His righteousness are weapons in your daily fray with the adversary. The truth of Jesus’ unwavering love for you is a firm foundation through the shifting tides of cancer. Jesus will guide your steps. He will give you the assurance of His unmerited love and mercy in the midst of your battle. He will stand with you!
Pray: Lord, Your truth is a guiding light on my path and in my life. You have made it right between You and me. Thank you, Lord! Help me to accept and rejoice in my standing within Your family. When I stand, may I stand with You. Amen.
Your Turn:
Stand in front of the mirror and imagine God putting His armor on you.
Ask God to help you dress in His battle garments each morning.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
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