Rumbling, Grumbling & Stumbling

There are times when simply walking with Jesus fills me with love, joy, peace—and all the fruit of the Spirit. The narrow path feels well-marked, clear of debris, straight, and level. The sun is warm on my back, and a gentle breeze seems to carry me along with ease.

In moments like that, it’s easy to grow complacent.

It’s easy to forget that we are engaged in a battle with unseen forces.

The armor begins to loosen. The shield lowers. The sword relaxes at my side. The belt of truth is no longer pulled tight, and the shoes of readiness are quietly exchanged for something more comfortable. Sandals.

Fortunately, the helmet of salvation remains in place.

And that’s when the enemy strikes.

Suddenly, the path changes.

What was once smooth becomes uneven. Tripping hazards appear where there were none before. The ground steepens. Dark clouds roll in without warning. Driving rain. Hail.

Love, joy, and peace begin to feel like fleeting emotional states rather than the steady qualities of God shared with me.

And before long, they are replaced with something else…

Rumbling.
Grumbling.
Stumbling.

A sense of dis-ease settles in. I begin to complain about how difficult the narrow path is—how impossible it feels to navigate. My footing slips, and I start to fall, as if the path disintegrated beneath me.

Down…toward the abyss.

And then—

I wake up from the dream.

Just in time.

Another reminder.

Don’t drift.
Don’t loosen the armor.
Don’t forget the battle.

Stay ready.
Stay near.

Keep my faith fitness.

_______

"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." Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)