AUGUST 20

Ephesians 6:11

Sarah was going with her mother to take her baby sister for an appointment at the doctor’s office. “Does Sue have to have shots today?” asked Sarah. Mom nodded. “A checkup and shots,” she said. “I don’t think she’s going to like those shots!” exclaimed Sarah. “No,” Mom agreed, “but she needs to have them to help keep her from getting sick. It’s easier and safer to get a shot now than to suffer from a sickness later.”

“I guess so, but I’m glad I don’t need one today,” said Sarah. She paused. “Why are some shots called booster shots?” she asked. “Like the one I had when I stepped on a nail last year?”

“You have had a shot for tetanus, but it has been a while, so you needed another shot to make sure the medication was still effective,” explained Mom.

“Well, I’ll be glad when I outgrow shots,” said Sarah.“Even adults need shots sometimes,” said Mom. “And think of this… Christians need booster shots regularly, too.” She smiled at Sarah’s startled expression.

“What do you mean, Mom?” Sarah wanted to know. “To guard against the attacks of Satan, we need protection before he strikes-before our resistance is worn down and we give in to his ways,” Mom explained. “What things might help protect us from him?”

Sarah thought for a moment. “I think reading the Bible would,” she said. “It tells us whether some things are right or wrong. We can memorise verses, too.”

“Good,” approved Mom, “and how about staying away from the people or places that could tempt us to sin? Can you think of anything else?” “Ah… how about prayer?” suggested Sarah. “We can ask God to help us, and we can trust Him to keep us safe.”

“Very good.” Mom smiled. “We need to use all of the ‘armour’ God offers – faith, truth and His Word. Becoming familiar with all these things ahead of time, helps prepare us for Satan’s attacks.”

Thought: Are you prepared for Satan’s attacks?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to have my “booster shots” of reading the Bible, memorising verses, and avoiding friends and places that may cause me to sin. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.