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.
God tells me to be strong…in Him, in His mighty power! I don’t need to battle through life on my own.
I have God’s power and might available to me!
I have His armor of protection available to me!
A war has been raging in the spirit realm ever since Lucifer decided to redefine himself. As a beautiful covering angel who lived in the presence of God and walked on the fiery stones of heaven pride rose up within him and he decided that he was deserving of praise and raised himself up to be like God.
Lucifer convinced 1/3 of the angels in heaven to rebel against the very One who created them and there was a battle in heaven.
These angels lost the battle and were cast out of heaven. Beginning in the Garden of Eden the strategies of Satan and the powers of his kingdom have been at war against God’s kingdom to bring rebellion to all God’s creations, separating them from Him forever.
From Adam and Eve, to the Israelites, and the pharisees… it was very clear that I can’t win this war on my own.
This is why God sent His Son, Jesus, to win the victory over sin and death for all creation!
Jesus crushed Satan’s head and deemed him powerless! Satan is a defeated foe!
However, though the victory has been won, the battle still rages!
Satan still roams around seeking who he can devour, rob from, kill, and destroy!
But Jesus has come to bring abundant life!
Each part of the armor of God points to Jesus!
Belt of Truth – “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.'” John 14:6
Breastplate of righteousness – “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” Romans 5:18
Feet shod with the Good News of Peace – “Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:35
Shield of Faith – “Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.'”Matthew 21:21
Helmet of Salvation – “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14
Prayer – ” So He (Jesus) said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” Luke 11:2-4
Deliverance and salvation from the lies and powers of the evil one has been accomplished on the cross. But I need to believe it and live in the truth of it so that I remain standing strong in the days of battle!
