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. Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Good Day! Or is it? These days it’s hard to tell, right? Things are so uncertain and every day we wake up to not so good news. Actually, the news is quite devastating and depressing. I’ve talked to so many people who are overwhelmed and when they listen to the news, it gets even worse.
I was reminded as I read through Ephesians with a friend that God told us there would be battles. As a matter of fact, he gave us tools to prepare for them. Those tools are:
The Belt of Truth - We protect ourselves with truth. Everything we do needs to be wrapped in truth. Our truth comes from the Bible and from God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness - Righteousness means being right with God. We do this by accepting the covering of Jesus and by living our lives according to God’s plan.
Shoes of Peace - As Christians, our hearts need to be at peace because we stand firm in the promises of God and in the belief that he is stronger and mightier than what we see.
Shield of Faith - Our faith in Jesus is a protective shield around us. Hold it up! Use your faith to get through the arrows thrown at you.
Helmet of Salvation - Cover yourself with the salvation that comes from Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. That was for you. Fill your mind with the knowledge that you are loved.
Sword of the Spirit - The sword of the Spirit is God’s Word. Read it. Use it to stab at the negative thoughts that pop into your head….the thoughts that say we can’t survive this. Lean on God’s Word. There is so much wisdom there and reassurance for our hearts. Here are a few Scriptures to ponder today.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)
6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Jesus told us there would be battles. But he also said he has already overcome. Trust in that as you navigate today and tomorrow and forever.