Becoming a Woman of Excellence

I am currently doing a devotional/Bible study book by Cynthia Heald entitled Becoming a Woman of Excellence. It is a fabulous study and I highly recommend it. Each chapter is loaded with Scripture and thought- provoking quotes from men and women of God. The chapter I am working through at the moment deals with purity. In this chapter, Ms. Heald includes a quote from Elisabeth Elliot:

If there is an Enemy of Souls (and I have not the slightest doubt that there is), one thing he cannot abide is the desire for purity. Hence a man's or woman's passions become his battle ground. The Lover of Souls does not prevent this. I was perplexed because it seemed to me He should prevent it, but He doesn't. He wants us to learn to use our weapons.

Pretty profound, eh? And what are the weapons that we need to be wielding in order to keep our lives pure and holy? According to Ephesians 6, they are truth, faith, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. Have you aquired those weapons? Are you using them, or are you hiding from the battle? Get rid of the things that distract from the battle, protect your heart, stand firm on God's Word, and trust in your Almighty Leader!