Thursday, September 28

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  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." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Today's reading contains wonderful truth from Isaiah 55 and Ephesians 6, leaving me torn between the two.

This passage from Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us of the very present reality of spiritual warfare and that we may experience victory as we stand in the full armor of God.  Paul explains that we will stand in a position of strength, not weakness, and find ourselves ready, not surprised.

I would like to share several key takeaways that the passage gives:

(1) The battle belongs to the Lord.  Our victory rests on "His mighty power," not our cleverness or nonexistent holiness.  Given that it's His battle, He provides the armor.

(2) The battle doesn't involve "flesh and blood."  Oftentimes, what appear to be "physical" or relational problems have an underlying core with spiritual roots.  The effect of sin has so tinged our world that relationships become broken, our bodies become broken, and what we might trust in besides God crumbles.  The spiritual battle involves a spiritual opponent, who desires our harm through lies, deception, accusation, and ultimately murder.

(3) We will not experience victory without preparation.  To kickstart the preparation, we must first recognize that the battle exists.  We then must follow the steps listed here — not just once, but on a consistent basis.  We prepare for the spiritual battle through pursuing spiritual disciplines like reading God's Word, which girds us against falsehood; receiving edifying preaching, which reminds us of our identity and purpose; and prayer, where we communicate with our Father and understand His perspective.

(4) We stand and face spiritual warfare face-front, able to overcome through the gifts that God has provided.  Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us His armor and the shield of faith.  This faith allows us to evaluate and extinguish those arrows of lies, deception, and accusation sent our way.  In the light of God's Word, we understand the truth that God treasures us, having sacrificed His own Son so that we might have a restored relationship with Him.  We stand with confidence.

(5) We stand together.  Even when separated and targeted, Christians under spiritual attack may rest in knowing that their brothers and sisters stand with them.  One of our great callings as Christ-followers is to encourage one another until the Day of His return arrives. (Hebrews 3:12-14)

Lord God, thank You for providing ample armor and weapons for our stand in spiritual warfare.  Help us to evaluate and extinguish the deceit and accusations of the evil one.  Give us insight into the differences between physical and spiritual warfare, and strengthen and prepare us accordingly.  Grant us opportunities today to honor You and to show Your love to others.  In Jesus's Name, amen.