Battle Ready
Ephesians 6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10-12
What comes to your mind when you think of a battle?
I think of a physical battle- of soldiers at war fighting to defend someone or something. I think of boots on the ground. I have never experienced that type of battle and likely never will. However, we are at war. While I certainly am not in battle of the physical sort- I fight spiritual battles every day. And my friend, so do you.
We have an enemy. The devil wants to steal everything from us. He wants our marriages to fail. He wants our friendships to fail. He wants our children to be pulled into darkness. He wants us to compare ourselves against others and feel insecure and unsure of who God made us to be. He wants us to feel sad, depressed, and overwhelmed. So much so that we choose alcohol, drugs, sex, anger, and isolation over finding comfort in God. He wants us to believe that the only way we are useful is by being busy, making more money and earning better “status” in life. He wants me and you to find offense and conflict with people we interact with everyday day. He’s working overtime to keep me, you and everyone around us away from God. In short, he wants to destroy people and defame God every second of everyday.
I know that sounds kind of dramatic, right? I mean I think it does too but it’s the truth. And sometimes the truth hurts. All of this means that spiritual battle is not against people. It seems that way, doesn’t it? But that is a trick of the enemy. But these battles we fight are not against flesh and blood. It’s really against all the dark spiritual forces hiding in plain sight. Evil forces in heavenly places.
The good news for us is that the armor of God was given to us for protection in battle. We are called to stand firm in the foundation that God has built for us. As we stand and face spiritual battle- we MUST put on the armor He has given us. That armor is His word! It tells us the truths of who we are, what our purpose is and how to defeat our enemy! We can win the battle if we use His word to help us stand firm, have faith in God and proclaim the truths we know as we find them in the bible.
I am not fighting a war on soil and dirt for land. But I am defending my freedom- the freedom Jesus bought for me with His blood! Here are some ways I use God’s word as armor against the enemy:
• I win the battle when I celebrate other women’s wins and do not fall into the comparison trap. Galatians 6:4-5
• I win the battle when I forgive my husband for the hurtful thing he said rather than stay at him and push him away. Ephesians 4:32
• I win the battle when I tell my children hard truths and hold them accountable for their choices and behavior. Proverbs 29:17
• I am win the battle when I move past words that offended me and do not accept the invitation to bicker and fight with people. Proverbs 17:27-28
• I win the battle when I choose to seek comfort in God over a temporary fix. Matthew 6:13
• I win the battle when I pray over worries and anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7
• I win the battle when I remember the that I have a purpose and calling in life that was crafted by God himself. Jeremiah 29:11
• I win the battle when I refuse to believe all the things that have happened to me make me damaged good. Instead I know that can be used for good. Romans 8:28
What situations/circumstances that you are facing now can you grab your armor (God’s word) and use it as protection against spiritual battles you’re fighting?
Pray with me: Lord, there is evil lurking in every corner of my life. Sometimes I feel so exhausted trying to project myself, my family, and the people I love against the constant spiritual attack we face. But I know that the on true weapon/defense/armor is YOU. Nothing else works other than speaking Jesus into my life today and every day. Thank you for Your word that gives me hope and truth that guides me and protects me from all the evil forces in my life. I am so thankful for it.
Speak Jesus into your life today- over all situations! The song below never fails to get me into the heart and mindset to use Jesus as my best defense against all things. I hope it does the same for you today.
Song to share: https://youtu.be/PcmqSfr1ENY?feature=shared
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