I can remember both of my boys running around in diapers or shorts armed with a plastic sword intent on finding a dragon to slay.  What a funny sight to see such little heroes, with milk mustaches from breakfast, set on such a valiant mission.

It can seem much the same as we raise our young people, tweens and teens, to wield their spiritual swords. It can even bring a grin to our faces to imagine our 3, 6, 14 year olds doing spiritual battle, can’t it?  In our mind they are just not old enough.
<p ><img title=”Who’s Holding the Sword?” src=”https://candygibbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/6a00d835180b1753ef0115709d1839970b-500wi-132×300.jpg” alt=”Candy Gibbs, Pearls, Chosen, Purity Curriculum, parenting, parents, parenthood, parenting resources, positive parenting, raising children, help for parents, parent help, teenagers, how to parent a teenager, how to parent, parents of teenagers, purity, mentoring, mentor, mentors, mentor programs, mentoring programs” width=”132″ height=”300″ /></p>
In Ephesians chapter 6 we are reminded that the battle belongs to the Lord and we are to be strong in His mighty power.  Then in verse 11 the Lord reminds us that we have an adversary…
<h3>“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes” (Eph 6:11).</h3>
It is our temptation to think that the enemy would allow our kids to grow up and prepare to do battle before he would launch a full-on attack against the weakest among us.
<h3>If that is our conclusion, we are wrong.</h3>
The enemy has launched an attack against our children and he is ruthless in his efforts.  They are faced with bullying, drugs, sex, social media, sickness, and distracted adults far too early in their lives.

It is imperative that we, as parents, realize that we must arm our children for the spiritual battle that they face.  The <strong>good news</strong> is that they are equipped by the power of His might.  In Ephesians 6 we learn about the full armor of God:
<h4>The helmet of salvation</h4>
<h4>The breast plate of righteousness</h4>
<h4>The shoes of the gospel of peace</h4>
<h4>The belt of truth</h4>
<h4>The shield of faith</h4>
<h4>and there is a sole weapon of OFFENSE…the sword of the Spirit that is the word of God!</h4>
Our little boy in a diaper may have a difficult time defeating his dragon with his plastic sword.  But that same little boy, armed with the sword of the Spirit, can face any battle.  I guarantee you when the enemy looks at him, he does not see a milk mustache and pull-ups.  He sees a true, valiant warrior.

Go <a title=”cultivating intimacey with God” href=”https://candygibbs.com/help-teen-cultivate-intimacy-with-go” target=”_blank”>here</a> to find some practical ways to equip and train your children and teens to become proficient in the use of their swords.

Journeying with you,

Candy

Don’t want to miss a single bit of encouragement?  Sign up for my newsletter <a title=”sign up here!” href=”<!– // MAILCHIMP SUBSCRIBE CODE \\ –> <a href="http://eepurl.com/o5Enb">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> <!– \\ MAILCHIMP SUBSCRIBE LINK // –>” target=”_blank”>here.</a>