Put on the Armor of God
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“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. 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.” - Ephesians 6:12-13
Churches can have their share of problems. In twenty-five years of ministry, we've seen many churches that constantly have conflict. The weekly drama can become too much for leadership to bear. The spiritual battle that Christians face can become the strongest in church settings. People who think they know better about how to run a church can drive leadership to the point of breakdown, leaving them feeling isolated and alone.
In these situations, it can be easy for a leader to see that the problem lies with the people. However, the people are not the problem. The problem is with the enemy. The enemy divides, deceives, and is against any vision for possible success or movement toward the Holy Spirit.
The above verse reminds us that this is to be expected. Christians, no matter how healthy their church is, have a battle they must fight—their battle is against the enemy. Daily, we are instructed to put on the full armor of God, which consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. When we choose to arm ourselves with these elements, we are better prepared to thwart the enemy than when our minds are cluttered with thoughts that do not align with Scripture.
Take a moment to analyze your life. Do you equip yourself with the full armor of God every day? Do you start your day by reading the Word, praying, and asking God to help you in every situation throughout the day? Do you shorten your devotional time so you can get done what's on your to-do list, forsaking the very person who can help you get through that list in the first place?
If you find you are not fully equipping yourself with God, there's hope. Start your day with half an hour in the Word of God. Read a couple of chapters each day. Journal about your thoughts on the matter. Take notes on what you read and use commentaries to study what you read. Don't just read it to check it off your to-do list. Rather, apply it to your lives, and then no area of your life will become vulnerable to Satan’s schemes.
Pray without ceasing. Every time you come into a situation you don't know how to handle, pray to God. Ask him when he would have you do that in that situation. Help him illuminate the situation with his eyes, rather than yours. When you get in the habit of asking God how he sees the situation, rather than how you perceive it, it will lead you to reflect on how your perspective changes and on the love and compassion you have for others.
When you shift your perspective from one of selfishness to treating others as if they bear the image of God, you'll become more like Christ. It will also help you grow in grace and mercy with everyone in your life.
Not only is it important to equip yourself with the armor of God every day to fight the devil’s schemes, but it is also so you can withstand the devil's plan to get you to move away from God. Satan is relentless and wants you to worship him and not God. He'll do anything to get your attention and approval. Be someone who can see right through the devil and call him to flee. When you can do this, you can not only withstand Satan's schemes, but also stand on your own two feet, planted firmly on the word of God.
Father, let us be people who equip ourselves with the armor of God so that we can be protected from the devil. Let us enter this spiritual battle with ease. Let us be equipped with the helmet of salvation and the word of God. Let us fight the greatest battles on our knees so that we can be closer to you and further away from the enemy. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What is one step you can take to equip yourself with the armor of God today? How can you make this a daily habit?
Further Reading:
James 4:7
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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