Finally, Be Strong in the Lord

We are in a battle. Does that thought cross your mind very often? I have become more aware of the spiritual battle that is going on as Satan tries to hold on to the darkness in the world. He knows he is losing but that does not prevent him from trying his best to keep out the Light.

I have never been the kind of person to see a devil behind every bush, behind every trial whether big or small. But, I think particularly in the US we are either naïve or choose to ignore the spiritual realm and the battle taking place. Are we ready to do our part in the battle?

Ephesians 6 is our go-to passage for the equipping needed for fighting the darkness. I have been going to this passage over and over lately trying to understand how I can fight for God’s reign more effectively.

^{Ephesians 6:10-20}

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Here are a few thoughts that came to mind as I journaled through this passage:

·         “Be strong in the Lord” and “Put on the full armor of God” are commands to obey, not just suggestions

·         God doesn’t say, “Run away”, but rather “Stand your ground”

·         Belt of truth- God’s truth of who He is and who I am in Him. We should ask, “What is true?”

·         Breastplate of righteousness- Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life

·         Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace- Go! We are to walk in obedience out of love for God and because of the urgency of getting the message out

·         Shield of faith- instead of worrying, pray and step out into the heat of the battle in faith

·         Helmet of salvation- protecting our minds, turning to God and remembering his way of salvation

·         Sword of the spirit- speaking God’s Words aloud, it is powerful!

·         And pray- Keep praying; pray for the battle, pray as the battle, be alert and always on guard, pray for other believers, pray for boldness and for the right words to say. 

What can you do today to join the spiritual battle against the darkness?