Spiritual Warfare

 

Sometimes, when life seems to be getting the best of me, I have to make myself stop and consider why things seem so overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but for me this shows up as anxiety, sadness, and sometimes anger. When I am feeling these emotions, especially over a period of time, I HAVE to intentionally stop them or they can get to be a stronghold in my life.

The first thing I have to do is remind myself that people are not my enemy. The Word says “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). Brothers and Sisters we have an enemy out there, his name is Satan and he, along with his demons, want to destroy us.

However, Satan can do nothing but suggest. He does not have power over us unless we let him. And if we let him for an extended period of time, he will create strongholds. So how do we make sure this doesn’t happen? We will find this (and just about every other question we face in life) in God’s Word. He says that we must put on the full armor of God:

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Now we have all heard this scripture, but what does it actually mean? Paul is instructing us here to put on all God has given us to maintain the victory we already have! It is to be used as an offense not a defense in the battle with satanic forces.

• The Girdle of Truth is so that we will stand firm in the truth of His Word.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness is to guard our heat from evil.
• The Shoes of Peach are for us to stand firm in the Good news of the gospel.
• The Shield of Faith is to be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt and deceit.
• The Helmet of Salvation is to keep our mind focused on God to keep Satan from suggestion.
• The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God to be ready in our hands when tempted.

The good news here is that we are already victorious! Satan has been defeated by the blood of Jesus! Let’s not let the enemy steal one more minute of our joy!

I pray today that every scheme, plot or plan that the enemy has for you and your family is bound in the name of Jesus! Satan you are a liar and a thief and we will not allow you to steal, kill or destroy our lives anymore. No weapon formed against us will prosper so today is going to be a great day!

Will you receive this today?