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.
Ephesians 6:13
As young parents, my husband and I knew that we wanted to give our kids every opportunity to know, love, and serve God. We wanted them to know to the very depths of their souls that they are created, loved, and protected by God almighty. We wanted them to know that they are children of God, first and foremost. We wanted them to know their identity in Christ and walk confidently in it. So, we surrounded them with others who also loved God and would encourage them in their walk with Him. We had scriptures displayed in the house, we prayed, and we talked often about how much God loves them and protects them. We wanted this to get down deep into their spirits so when – not if – they were challenged, they would have firm footing and not be rocked. But I never imagined how boldly our son would be challenged at the tender age of four.
It was time to buy winter coats and boots for our growing kids, so we packed up the family and made the trip to our local box store. Now, anyone who has shopped with a 3-year-old and 4-year-old knows what a thrill that can be! My husband and I were focused; get in, get what we need, and get out before tears ensue! The hunt for coats went really well. We found the pink coat that made our daughter’s eyes dance with delight, and a coat our son loved with just the right amount of growing room to last the season. Just as we were about to high-five one another in the checkout line for a successful trip, we realized we forgot the boots! Ugh. So my husband took round one of purchases to the minivan while I waited with one child in each hand by the doors so we could begin round two.
From out of nowhere, a man walked up to the three of us, completely ignored me, looked directly at my son, and said, “I’m going to kill you. You know I’m going to kill you.”
Disbelief was quickly overrun by intense protection instincts. Let me pause here and say that it was only by the grace of God that this momma bear didn’t take that man down, right inside the doors of the superstore. It didn’t matter that there was no security guard and it didn’t matter that he was significantly larger than me. No one says things like that to my child! So just as I was about to set things straight, I heard my own voice say, “Larry, is there something you want to say to this man?”
“No, you’re not. I belong to Jesus. You can’t hurt me. You can’t touch me.”
And just like that, the man couldn’t say another word. He stood there – a large, full-grown man silenced by the truth spoken by this little boy. He literally couldn’t say another word and finally – after what felt like an eternity – walked off, disappearing into the crowd.
Sometimes the Lord gives us the opportunity to stand up and speak His truth ourselves. I think my son solidified God’s truth over him in a very tangible way that day because he was the one to answer the threat. It was his voice that countered that lie with the reality of God’s promise over him.
Have you been challenged by a bully four times your size recently? Has he shown up suddenly and threatened you with pain, failure, or death? Has he stood tall above you trying to make you feel small? Remind him who you belong to. Remind him that your Daddy has bought you for a very high price and you walk in His authority. Remind him that he is defeated and can’t do anything to hurt you. In fact, he can’t even touch you without touching the blood of Christ because you are covered by it. Remind him that you are a beloved child of God and …
You are adored.
You Are Adored 