The Helmet of Salvation

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil… Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:10,11,13-18).

God led me to share my faith today (July 3rd). He prepared me by leading me to some scripture, specifically Ephesians 6, where it talks about the full armor of God, and also Daniel 1-6, which is a portrait of a man who was bold and courageous in following Christ. Daniel purposed in his heart that he was going to follow God regardless of circumstance. Even in the lion’s den Daniel’s faith did not fail him, and on account of his faith, God brought him out from the lions without a scratch.I hopped on my bike this afternoon and rode to Fowler Park, in Oconomowoc. As I rode through the park I saw a group of younger guys, 6-7 of them and probably freshman in high school. God led me to speak to them, but instead I rode right past.

 

I went and sat on a bench and contemplated why I didnt heed the call of the Spirit of God to speak with them. I realized I was too focused on myself. I had never deliberately gone out to share my faith all alone before, and it was difficult. It is easier when you have someone backing you up! I also did not have my armor on. I did not use my shield of faith, or put on my helmet of salvation. If I had, I would have taken a step of faith, knowing that regardless of what happens I could not lose or be put to shame. The victory is already won. Jesus has already overcome satan, sin, the grave, and also taken on God’s wrath. In Roman times, the helmet was a sign of victory. When a soldier wore it, he was declaring victory over defeat. As I was riding home, I also realized that if I did not do what God wanted me to do, I was in fact sinning. It would be a sin of omission, that is, failing to act out God’s will. Sins of comission are doing what God has declared not to do. Sins of omission are not doing what God wants you to do.I knew I had to go back.

I turned around, and started to prepare the armor. I put on the Helmet of Salvation and declared victory regardless of the outcome, knowing in faith that God’s will would be advanced. I prayed that God would give me another opportunity to speak with the guys.When I got back to the park there they were, all together and by the swings. I rode up, and just started talking. I asked if I could challenge them with a question and they agreed. I asked them if they knew who Daniel is. I told them about Daniel as told in the scriptures, and how he boldy and courageously served the Lord. I told them about the lions den. Then we talked for awhile and I shared personal testimony as well as the gospel. I answered any questions they had. There were six or seven so it was difficult to carry on the conversation with all of them. I pulled out a ‘Knowing God Personally’ book and asked to share it with them, they agreed. As I went through it they had a few questions and I answered. By the end, I asked if any wanted to pray to receive Christ. No one said anything. I brought up Daniel again, and talked about being courageous and bold. Then one guy said yeah, and then another and another and another. 4 of the guys prayed out loud to receive Christ. A couple others were there, I am not sure if they prayed in their hearts. It was pretty awesome! It was so simple. We had a conversation, I proclaimed the truth and good news of Jesus Christ, and they came to understanding and received Christ as Lord and Savior!

So my question is, What if I didn’t go back? What if I just rode home defeated? What if I never took that step of faith?  Is God calling you to take a step of faith in some area in your life? Pray for boldness and courage, strap on the full armor of God, and just do it! You will not regret it!