Stay Strong!

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.” Ephesians 6:11-12 

God did not equip us with physical weapons to fight the enemy, because we aren’t fighting a physical battle. But, He did give us armor so that we can stand against the devil and his schemes.

The enemy knows that there are many areas in our lives that he will never cause us to stumble and fall. BUT…what he CAN do is DISTRACT us. He can distract us with worry, fear, anxiety, weariness, loneliness, insecurity, oppression, depression, isolation, bitterness, and all of those other inward battles of the mind and heart. Let me assure you that these battles are very real! If he can distract us, then it’s so much easier for us to lose focus, to stop reading our Bible, and stop praying…because those thoughts and feelings that are distracting us are taking precedence over what’s important! Before we know it, we find ourselves drifting away from God, from our family and friends, and we are left feeling isolated and alone. That’s exactly what the enemy wants, and that’s when he can wreak havoc! 

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:11, 13-19 

I am seeing so many today that are dealing with anxiety, as well as those in the ministry who are becoming weary!! The good news is…our story doesn’t have to end in defeat! God has given us the armor that we need to stand against the enemy, and I just want to encourage you to stand strong. When you have done all that you know to do, keep standing! The battle is God’s!

“…Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed…for the battle is not yours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Stay strong!

-LM