Day Six: Intentional

Jenn Schultz

Here’s something years of experience has taught me: it usually doesn’t work out well to “just wing it.” 

I’m more spontaneous and less of a planner by nature, and sometimes that does come in handy. If I have to in an emergency, I can adapt to the situation and make something happen with perfectly respectable results. But when it comes to things like travel, sitting in waiting rooms with kids, inviting people over for dinner–those things don’t work out great to just figure it out as you go. 

Recently I taught a children’s ministry class, and had browsed the lesson ahead of time, thinking I pretty much grasped the concept and we would figure the rest out. But nothing went according to plan that day–I arrived late, we had a new student, we didn’t have all the supplies at the ready, and the lesson was far more complicated than I gave it credit for. Honestly, it was a mess. We even had the next rotation’s teachers in there to see how a normal class went, and sadly, I don’t think they were helped at all. 

It’s helpful to be able to just work with what you have and pull something off in a short amount of time, with limited resources available. But our spiritual battles weren’t meant to be fought that way. 

It is a lifelong struggle to choose faithfulness and surrender to God, and continue to walk worthy in this fallen world. God knew that, and I think that’s why he left specific intentional instructions to prepare us. 

Ephesians 6 talks about more interpersonal relationships with others, and what they need to look like. In all, we live with a goal to serve God first. In doing so, we establish and strengthen relationships here on earth, learning how to treat each other respectfully. (Note: While I don’t know all of the circumstances of slavery at that time, I do know Paul’s emphasis is to make the most of the situations people were in to honor God as best they could, not to perpetuate a broken worldly system.) 

And then it tells us to armor up in the spiritual battle. Paul tells us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (verse 10). I appreciate that he points out first where our strength comes from, and then that our battles aren’t with each other, however they may come across. It’s Satan we’re fighting, along with all of his lies and schemes to separate us from God and each other. 

You, friend, are equipped with the proper tools for this spiritual battle, should you choose to intentionally use them and train yourself in them: 

• The belt of truth, keeping the rest of your armor in place
• The breastplate of righteousness, in protection of your heart
• Feet fitted with readiness, quick to jump into action to bring about peace
• The shield of faith, which protects against the Devil’s lies
• The helmet of salvation, a confidence we have in this world
• The sword of the Spirit, God’s word, that applies to any problem we face 

And alongside this, we pray always. (Continually, in all circumstances, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Philippians 4:6 say.) All kinds of prayers and requests–what matters deeply to us matters deeply to God. We pray for each other, strengthening and encouraging each other with those prayers.

As you continue to move forward into this new year, remember that God has already identified your worth and included you in His family. You have His insight and alignment with His mind, and our maturity, community, and knowledge of him will empower us even more to stand confidently in his purposes for our lives.

And then move forward with intention. Prayerfully consider where God might be leading you this year, whether it’s to serve faithfully where he has you or to try something new. Know either way that God goes along with you, equips you with what you need, and always works for our good. Together, we’ll reflect His glory in this world. 

Walk Worthy Challenge: Write out your goals and ideas for this year, and pray over them. Invite a friend to do this with you!

Prayer: God, thank you for giving us the armor we need to fight the spiritual battle. Thank you that we get to do this together with you and with others. Help us to have our eyes open to what you have for us to do, and look for opportunities to glorify you. 

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