Good morning. I hope that your morning is off to a great start. But maybe you are already finding yourself in the midst of a battle before you even get out of bed. As I spend this week with encouraging words about the armor of God, I want to set up the importance of the armor. Preparing for the attack – are you ready?
Ephesians 6:10-13 niv
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.
Let me start by saying you cannot, no you can’t, just ‘pray on’ the armor and then go about your day. Then later when you get attacked and thoroughly pummeled say, “But I prayed on the armor of God this morning!”
Praying is saying, saying is living it.
If you are not going to live it, then don’t say it…you are just wasting your breath. On the other hand, if you are walking that every-day-walking-around-kind-of-life with Jesus, then you are walking with the armor on. So if this is the case and you want to pray it as a reminder, an affirmation, and for confirmation, then that is great. If you are walking with Jesus, then you are living it.
When someone decides to compete, they strategically begin to train. On day two of training, they don’t decide they are done and are now ready to compete – at least not at a very high level.
There are no shortcuts
Putting on the armor of God is a renewing of the mind. The mind needs renewed each and every day. As you train, you slowly begin to evolve into a strong competitor. The various pieces of your equipment (armor) become more natural. Your routines become habits. Your discipline begins to pay off. You become more aware of the schemes of the enemy. Your reactions start to become natural responses. Months and months have now passed, and maybe even a few years. You’ve been preparing for the attack – now you are ready.
The Battles You May Face:
- Temptations and trials of various kinds
- attacks on relationships
- marriage, parents, children, co-workers, friends
- food disorders
- depression
- feeling cornered with no way out
- Catastrophic events
- death of a loved one, major accidents, health, Coronavirus, loss of job and finances
- attacks on relationships
Some battles or attacks can be overwhelming. But we can prepare for them.
Challenge of the Day: After you have done everything, stand! So be it!
