What to Wear (and where to get it!)

What if spiritual warfare looked less like guns and swords and more like depression, besetting sins, ungodly media, strained relationships, avoidance of the Word, church, and righteous fellowship, eating disorders, and pornography addictions? 

Satan is fighting to steal your hope and joy, kill your body, and destroy your faith. Are you prepared for such a battle? Let's take a quick look at Eph. 6.

1. Spiritual strength is found in Jehovah Shaddai (The All Sufficient & All Powerful One), not in ourselves. God must be your battery source--'charge up' with Him daily.

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Eph. 6:10, 11

We are challenged to put on His armor, not our own. Our self-made armor is insufficient (like Adam and Eve's fig leaves: insufficient). Look to Him for strength and covering.

2. We are engaged spiritual warfare--the devil wants your heart, soul, and mind. He wants the hours in your day, the words in your mouth, the thoughts in your mind. He wants you. 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Pet. 5:8 

3. We have been given and weapons with which to fight.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day...Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I Pet.6:13-17 

This passage sticks to my bathroom mirror, reminding me of the spiritual battle I'm engaged in. Every morning I "pray on" the armor of God. (Ex: "O Lord, please place on me the belt of truth. Protect me from lies, and bring your Word to my mind when I am attacked....") As a teenager, I was challenged to make this a part of my daily routine. I encourage you to make this a habit for the next week and see what blessings it imparts!

4. Praying at all times in the Spirit. (vs 18)--The power and importance of prayer cannot be overemphasized. When unrighteous emotions overwhelm--pray. When temptation presses hard--pray. When relationship tensions rise--pray. When faced with decisions--pray. At all times--pray.

As you fight today, may the Lord be your strength and His armor your protection.