You may remember that I am an avid seashell collector. I have gathered many shells over the years and I have a very interesting collection from several places around the world. I have an assortment of big shells, little ones, polished ones and broken ones. Some are unique and rare. Some have lovely stripes and patterns while others are plain. Every time I go to the beach a shelling adventure is always at the top of the agenda.

Recently, our family took a beach trip. There were some powerful storms that occurred nearly every day of our trip. The storms would hit in the early morning or come ashore in the late afternoon. While the storms robbed me of a couple of sun-filled days on the beach, the storm’s inconvenience repaid with a contribution of fabulous shells on  the sand.

About mid-way into our vacation, I said to my husband Rick, “It’s so interesting that as often as we have been to the beach I never find anything in the sand or mixed in the shells. I never find jewelry or anything valuable.” On the last day of our trip, I was walking the beach overwhelmed at the piles of shells the storm had splashed on the shore. Needless to say, conditions were perfect for a great shelling adventure. I went back to my chair and sat down, loaded with bags containing all my magnificent finds. I glanced at a mountain of sand and shells beside me. Something silver and shiny caught my eye. I jumped up and ran to check it out. Could the glimmer in the sand be money? Was the sunlight reflecting off a piece of jewelry? Had I finally found a treasure? I did indeed!

There in the sand, really and truly like a needle in a haystack, was a tiny, silver plastic soldier. I picked him up and studied this little guy. He was dressed in full armor. He had a sword in one hand and was holding a shield in the other. Little man was wearing a helmet and all that comes with attire for any soldier worth his salt. I began breaking down Ephesians 6:10-18 in my mind. I actually saw each piece of armor mentioned in those scriptures. I touched his belt of truth and the body armor of righteousness. I admired his shoes laced with peace, and once again admired the shield of faith designed to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. The helmet of salvation was most impressive, as was his sword. I imagined him swinging that sword of the spirit, the very Word of God during battle.

“Earth to Cheryle! It’s just a tiny, insignificant toy”, I heard a negative, unfamiliar voice say. Where did that come from? I agreed in part with the voice. Clearly this soldier came off a sand toy from a child’s sand adventure. But I argued with the voice and said, “Oh, but he was divinely placed here for me.” I asked, “God, what are you telling me in this moment? What does this random find mean?” Then a voice in my spirit, one which was very familiar whispered, “You better armor up, child!” The Holy Spirit told me that a war was coming for me; some kind of battle. I took that message to heart and God was right. I found myself wrestling with principalities one week later. God told me to be ready for battle and it was a tough fight. Still is. War continues to rage.

Can I get a witness? Anybody? Is anyone reading this devotion in a war? Does it feel like the enemy will just not let up? My guess is that someone reading this is struggling with war-like circumstances. So, what do we do? Guard yourself, my friend. Mentally begin your day dressing in every item of clothing listed in the armor of God. Find Ephesians 6 and ready yourself for battle, for whatever lies ahead of you for the day. See yourself putting on…

• The belt of truth
• The body armor of God’s righteousness
• Shoes fitted for the Gospel of peace (how about that accessory? Shoes to help you take a warrior stance and to allow peace in the midst of battle! Looks good, sister. You can imagine the shoes red or even animal print if that helps. Whatever it takes!)
• Take up the shield of faith
• The helmet of salvation
• Grab the sword of the spirit (spend some time in the word and carry some ammunition with you…maybe some memory verses)

….so that when you are face to face with the enemy, you will be able to stand and let God fight the battle for you. Armor up and then begin your day.

My soldier is little but mighty. To anyone else who would have found him, other than the little child who most likely misses him terribly, I would imagine they would have left him laying there or thrown him away. For me, he was a valuable treasure. He brought with him a word from God almighty. I carry him with me at all times. He lives in the coin zipper compartment of my wallet. When I reach in, I touch or see him and I am reminded of my battle. Little soldier is an awesome reminder to gird myself with God’s word and to power-up for battle.

So, did I find a treasure? You bet! Was God speaking through a plastic toy? Cheryle, are you for real? Absolutely! When the God of the universe wants to get your attention, he will meet you wherever you are and he will use anything to speak to you. We just have to be ready to listen. So, listen up and armor up! Besides, there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman clothed in righteousness and adorned for the glory of God. Be Battle-Ready, Sisters!