Dear Sarah and Matthew,
Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy. He is prowling around, looking for those whom he can devour. He is constantly attacking ministry leaders. He doesn’t play fair. Like a terrorist, he is not interested in who has to suffer – children are not protected by a code he respects or follows.
Why is it that so many “ministry kids” find themselves in so much trouble? Because the LORD has called their parents into the fierest part of the battle; and we (your Mother and I) have announced our intentions to wade into it for our King. As we move ever closer to the heart of God, we (and you) become more important targets of the Evil One. Who knows, perhaps one day we will be on his most wanted list.
Our desire is your protection; and there is only One who can provide it. So, let’s rehearse Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
This armor is Christ. Our prayer is that you will intentionally put Him on every day. We mean for you to pray each day that He would do this for you. Something like, “Dear LORD, I choose to put on your full armor today. I put on Your belt of truth – You are the Truth. I put on the breastplate of righteousness – You are my righteousness…” You get the idea.
As each of you start new seasons in your lives, you will have many opportunities to make decisions that will affect your future. Our advice is to trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5,6). We will continue to pray for your protection.
Dying for His glory,
Mom and Dad