Scripture:

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 

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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
Perspective:

Paul was exhorting the Ephesians to take hold of the promises of God by being fully equipped for the battles that lie ahead. Instead of needing to go out and purchase artillery and weapons, Paul was drawing their attention to a far more significant battle that required a different type of preparation. They would need God’s strength and power to stand firm in their faith. They needed God’s truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, faith, and Word to be prepared for the battles raging against them. After Paul listed all the armor, the Ephesians might have thought that the final challenge would be to charge the enemy. While this was true in one sense, they would not move forward in their own power. The power of prayer would be the final component in their preparation. By changing their posture to prayer, their situations would be transformed through God’s power and not their own strength. Fighting the battle in prayer wasn’t to be an add-on but a core component in standing firm in the faith.

 

In our lives, it can be very tempting to charge ahead and fight. When we are having a conflict with someone, we want to go to them and fight for our position. Many times, this creates more conflict and strife. However, when we start by praying, we open the door for God to go before us. He is able to work in the lives and hearts of people that are against us. It is the enemy’s desire that we live in strife and conflict and fear. God has given us everything we need to combat the enemy’s fight against us. It is our responsibility to be prepared. If you are fighting a battle, having your armor next to you instead of on you doesn’t serve a purpose.  We often prepare for everything else in our lives and forget to wear our armor into battle. Sometimes we forget to have an eternal perspective in the battles and struggles that we are facing. In the challenge you are facing with a family member or coworker, do you really believe that there is power in prayer? James 5:16b (NIV) says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” As you make time to present your requests before God, strongholds are broken down, and prayer opens the door to experience God’s victory. God has given you everything you need to stand strong in your faith. We then have to activate it by putting on the armor of God.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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About Hona Amer

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