How are we to be strong when things around us are not stable? We focus on the One who can make us strong. His name is Jesus. He is strong and stable!
He has told us, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6: 10) It is His armor that we should dress with, The Armor of God. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6: 11)
- The devil is a schemer and a conniver.
- Don’t leave home or start your day without the FULL armor on.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6: 11-12)
Who are we against? We are not against people, but against rulers, authorities and spiritual evil forces. These forces are working behind and in the people.
This is why we need the full armor of God to protect us. Why? “So that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6: 13)
- Standing in the face and place of evil requires the Lord being our stronghold. “The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27: 1)
Did you see that it’s NOT, “if” the day of evil comes, it’s “when” the day of evil comes.
We live in a fallen world and we will be attacked by people, even those we trust. But, remember the people are not the ones attacking, it’s the spirit–the spiritual evil forces, behind them. Sometimes, these folks may not even have a clue that Satan is using them. Yes, and sometimes others will purposely and maliciously scheme against us.
Stand In God’s Armor
So what’s the armor of God consist of? We’ve learned these before, but they are worth repeating.
- Belt of Truth
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Feet Fitted For Readiness (Gospel of Peace)
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
- Praying In The Spirit
- Be Alert
- Keep Praying
You can see that the individual soldier can stand firm in God withstanding assault, only when the armor is in place. Let’s look at the armor.
- Belt of Truth comes from the imagery of “Righteousness will be His belt, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.” (Isaiah 11: 5) This is the clothing that Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah. Character, not brute forces, wins the battle.
- Breastplate of Righteousness is about the character of the warrior being his/her greatest defense. God, Himself puts on a breastplate of righteousness when He goes forth to bring justice.
- Feet Fitted With Readiness is a description of the messenger’s feet, reflects the custom of running barefoot. However, the feet of a soldier have protective and supportive footgear of the Roman soldier.
- The Shield of Faith is a large Roman shield covered with leather, often soaked in water, that would put out the flame-tipped arrows. “This extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6: 16) Many have felt these arrows, yet there are times that they bounce right off of us if we have our shield of faith.
- Sword Of The Spirit which is God’s Word. In prayer, God’s words are the weapon we can use in this spiritual battle. Pray scripture for God’s Word is alive and active to pull down strongholds. This spiritual battle must be fought in God’s strength, through prayer.
- Helmet Of Salvation is the helmet that protects the soldier and provides a symbol of military victory. Where does the enemy attack us? In our mind, yes. If he can’t attack us physically, he’ll attack us emotionally with tormenting and oppressive thoughts that rob our peace. Don’t let him access your mind. Use the Word of God to strengthen you inside. That’s why praying in the Spirit is needed; it strengthens us and fights for us.
(Shared from Ephesians 6, Modified)
A Shoot Made Strong
What is the shoot? It’s the Messianic promise. The shoot is a member of David’s family. Jesus is the shoot from the lineage of David. This is what the Lord said, “I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.” (Ezekiel 17: 22)
- That mountain is Jerusalem.
(Shared from Ezekiel 17, Modified)
Made Strong In Old Age
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 45: 4)
He concludes with this: “I make known the end from the beginning from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand and I will do all that I please. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” (Isaiah 46: 4, 10-11)
- Be strong and confident in what God has said He will do.
- He’s our strong promise-keeper.
(Shared from Isaiah 46, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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