When a group of girls goes out of town for a weekend or retreat, the clothing rules become more, shall we say, comfortable? Our writer’s retreat is the time to purchase new comfy pajamas or sweats, as we do not venture out into public unless we need to restock on food or coffee. We often leave the makeup at home with our families. It’s just us girls and bras can become optional attire.

Unless…

We had a minor maintenance issue that was not urgent. Then, a tree fell over the driveway, so we needed help when we realized we couldn’t move it – one girl tried. They fixed our inside issue and took care of the tree on the same visit. When we got the call that our hero was on the way, a text went out, warning everyone that, just in case, we needed to “bra up.”

Later in the week, we were alerted to an urgent prayer request that was time-based. It’s not uncommon to pray for someone undergoing a medical procedure or for travel mercies during specific time periods. We each set a timer in order to pray at the specified time. As we communicated, I recalled our warning to “bra up,” but changed it to fit the tone of the spiritual warfare we were about to begin. So, the new text read “Shields up.”

I sent along this photo I had seen several times before on various social media platforms. When I am facing a serious issue, this reminds me that engaging in prayer is warfare. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians, we need to put on spiritual armor to fight spiritual battles. Satan wants to discourage, sideline, and keep us from fulfilling our purpose.

Not everything we experience is a direct attack. Sometimes our circumstances result from our own self-will and dealing with the consequences. I believe, however, that Satan exploits these events and adds shame and regret in order to torment us.

Sometimes, we get blindsided by events that knock us to our knees in prayer. At these times, we know we are in a battle. When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, he fought back with Scripture. It’s a suitable weapon – one that is listed with the armor Paul detailed in Ephesians. We need all the armor to be ready for battle. Twice, Paul tells us to put on or take up the armor before listing the items. We would be wise to heed this directive.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

Ephesians 6:10-19 ESV

That day, we had the privilege of praying for a friend facing a challenge. We were women warriors on a mission. There are days we don’t wear a bra; every day, we need to put on the armor of God. Shields Up!

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I searched for the original source of the picture in order to give proper credit to the photographer but was unsuccessful. In addition to being the cover photo for two books, it shows up on multiple sites and often on social media which is where I first saw it.