There are countless people who make decisions to follow Christ but never grow and continue in the Lord. Why is this the case? Our text summons us to put on the whole armour of God in order to resist the devil. One particular weapon is the sword of the Spirit which is His Word.

An illustration is Jonathan Goforth's wife, Rosalind, who made a decision for Christ at the age of 12. Here is an extract of her struggle with doubt and her victory by using the sword:

"When I was twelve years old, I heard Mr. Alfred Sandham speak at a revival meeting, on John 3:16. As he presented with great intensity and fervour, the picture of the love of God, I yielded myself absolutely to the Lord Jesus Christ and stood up among others, publicly confessing Him as my Master. On the way home from that meeting, I was told again and again how foolish it was for me to think I could possibly be sure Christ had received me. So early the next morning, I got my Bible, and turning the pages over and over, I prayed that I might get some word which would assure me Christ had really received me. At last I came to John 6:37, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." These words settled that difficulty ...Then another difficulty arose. I was told I was too young to be received, and again I went to my Bible and turned the pages to see if there was any message to meet that problem, and I came, after searching a long time, to these words, "Those that seek me early shall find me" (Prov. 8:17). On these two texts I took my stand and have never doubted since then that I was the Lord's child." (Read a summary of her life here)

An example comes to mind (of a determined decision) of an old man who came to me here at Kwasizabantu many years ago with some Loquat plants. He said that he wanted to plant these as a witness to the fact that he has fully surrendered to the Lord and would serve him alone from then on. Those Loquat trees grew and were a constant witness to his decision. He faithfully served the Lord for some years before the Lord took him. He lived by God's Word and was protected by it.

The story of Mrs Goforth's marriage is an example of how she was tested and how God honoured her for honouring His Word.

Do you know this kind of life of truly living for Jesus. Use God's Word as your sword.

Notes: For more information about Jonathan Goforth and his wife Rosalind
http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/188.htm
http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biorpgoforth.html