Sheets of Armor is a phrase that somehow makes some think of a level of protection that is strong. This is what God showed me to be an accurate depiction of how society is a “show me” society. Faith is considered a weakness since there is no hard evidence that can be felt, seen, tasted, heard, or smelled.

If you’ve never noticed, the next time you wash sheets and put them on the bed notice the crisp, clean sheets, and the fresh smell. When the day is over, and you get to crawl into the bed that has those freshly cleaned sheets, take in the way the sheets feel and how it all smells. Notice how you can feel the crispness of the sheets and how each layer is so wrinkle free and taut. The next night notice how the sheets are taut as you had left the bed this morning when you made it. Feel how nice the sheets are even though the crispness is gone.

By the end of the week, the wrinkles are not as easy to make taut and the freshness of wash day is gone. The wrinkles are part of your sleep routine … for now. With the crispness gone after the first night, the sheets are washed and a new set is put on the bed. Once again, the night finds the sheets taut, crisp, and smelling fresh.

Now imagine you are in church on Sunday morning and the message is about putting on the full armor of God. The verses are from Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV – 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

On Monday, you go to work clothed in the Armor of God and ready. By the end of the day the armor is dented and the belt is frayed and the sword is very used. Feeling defeated, you fall into bed thinking this day was extraordinarily taxing. By the end of the week, the armor is even more dented and rusted and the sword is broken and the shoes are worn out. The dents and rust are part of your routine … for now. By Sunday, you fall into the church pew exhausted. In your mind, you review your week and how awful everything was. You have forgotten about the armor. You have forgotten why you go to church.

After church, you realize that you feel revitalized. Your armor has been repaired and you are ready for another week out in the world. You go to lunch with some people from church and tell them your thoughts. They are very encouraging and discuss their own trials and dented armors. You feel even better about the week to come knowing you are not alone in your journey.

You fall into bed feeling the taut, crisp sheets and inhaling the fresh smell and realize that just like the sheets that need to be cleaned and changed, your armor needs to be repaired, inspected, and cleaned regularly. Some parts may need renewing but following His direction will be the best part of slaying the dragons that show up to dent your armor and destroy your sword in an effort to destroy you. It is the enemy’s pleasure to trip you up and attempt to destroy what God has made you to be. But God will answer prayers and renew your soul as long as you ask Him. Pray without ceasing.

So, enjoy the taut, crisp sheets and put on your armor daily. Even if you stay in your bed all day, put on your armor. Be prepared at all times.