By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
“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)
There is a very real battle going on in the spiritual realm and Christians are Satan’s prime target. However, we are not helpless victims against his attacks. God has given us instructions in His Word to prepare us for battle and protect us on the front lines.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
We need to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. God does not ask us to fight in our own strength, and we never have to enter the battlefield alone.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
We need to trust the Lord and clothe ourselves with the full armor of God. Any exposed area that we’ve neglected to cover, Satan will eventually find and attack.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truthbuckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17)
All the pieces of armor are for our protection and defense; but the Sword of the Spirit is unique. The Sword doubles as a weapon of offense, but it’s only effective when we know how to use it. We must wield the Sword (God’s Word) with authority and power, having it ever-ready on our hearts, minds, and tongues.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Have you armed yourself with the Sword today?
The Holy Spirit will bring God’s Word to your mind; but only after you have, first, tucked it into your heart.
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16)
