Ready for Battle

10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." He is the ONLY one we can be strong in. Not in ourselves. When we are weak He is strong! In our weakness we can see His might demonstrated.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. We are told put on the armor God in full. When we do so we can stand against the devil! Paul goes on to explain this armor, but I know when I think of the armor of God, I think of something very powerful and great. Something that will stand up to whatever. Something that gives the one wearing it immense strength. Also, if we don't put it on fully, temptations and sins get by, just as if a knight, did not clothe himself in his full suit, arrows may hit him there or a sword will jab at that weak spot. In man-made armor there are still flaws, but in God's there is none and it is far stronger.

12 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. We couldn't face these on our own. But clothed in the Lord's armor we can be strong and resist and defeat these foes.

13 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. There is hope for those that take up the armor of God. It is protection and gives strength to stand firm. Most people would be less likely to stand firm with no armor than those with.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These verses are so encouraging to me. I unfortunately do not think about clothing myself with these things on a daily basis. God still protects me from more than I am aware, but I need to be active and have that readiness, that was freely given by Christ. When I read about the shield of faith, I think of this HUGE protection in front of me. And when the temptations come or the trials, they get deflected off, because my faith in Christ. I pray that I always have faith no matter the circumstance. I must be armed at all times in readiness, so that I don't become susceptible to the work of the devil.

18 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. We are to pray without ceasing. Being ever ready and not only praying for ourselves, but for others, so that we all may be strong! We must fight the battles in faith, God is strong, going before us and clothing us in strength. He is with us EVERYDAY. God is in control and will not allow us to be taken over by adversity. I know I am weak, but He is strong! I want to put on the whole armor of God to face the trials I am going through. He is always faithful!!!