It started like a normal day, then something bloomed, shot out all its pollen, and took me out. I’ve never had a ton of allergies; I took the test when I was in eighth grade and the doctor said I didn’t have anything to worry about. Unfortunately, that test was 20 years ago in a different state. Unfortunately, a piece of paper saying, “you’re fine,” is not enough to convince my sinuses to loosen up or my throat to not feel like it’s full of pipe cleaners.

For some people, seasonal allergies are an expected experience. For a few weeks every spring they know they’re going to have a bad time. They know that there is some invisible thing in the air that their body will view as an attack. However, when you know that stuff is out there you do your best to prepare for it: medications, closed windows, air filters, masks, etc. All this prep won’t stop the attacks from coming, but it does make it easier to weather the storm.

In a similar vein we know that there are spiritual and emotional things in this world that try to drag us down: negativity, mental illness, judgmental people, social media. Knowing the world we live in, we follow the preparation encouraged by Ephesians 6.

Ephesians 6:10-13

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 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. 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 firm.

God has given you a path for preparation when you must face the evils of this world. We can fill our cup with the goodness of God such that we are prepared to face those things that would seek to drag us down.