Battle-TestedSample

ARMED AND READY

Life is a battle. Life gets hard. This is a fact. No one is exempt from struggle and difficulty. Circumstances outside our control will arise and cause stress and pain and this is just a part of life. The question that will remain is how will you respond when it comes? What do you do when the battle comes to your doorstep?

Our response is often determined by how we spiritually prepare and guard ourselves. How you prepare for these days matter. The Apostle Paul urged his followers to put on the full Armor of God that we may be able to stand firm against difficulty. 

Most people wake up and live every day without this armor of protection. When we live lives unguarded we leave ourselves open for Satan, the master of deception, to rush in and destroy us. This destruction can happen in a moment, but it often comes little by little. Every day we get a little more comfortable with sin, a little closer to dangerous paths, and we think we will be fine, until we aren’t. 

Wearing the Armor of God is fully trusting that He will protect and guard us when the enemy comes in like a flood. The enemy wants nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy. We must be guarded and protected every day. 

When we trust God’s word and pray continually we are covered by His Spirit. His word is a lamp that guides our steps, leading us to respond to circumstances the right way. When coworkers gossip we can be equipped to walk away from evil thoughts and words. When your family is against one another, the Bible teaches us to respond in love and faith. 

Life has its challenges, but God has equipped us with everything we need to press through the pain and to stand our ground when the battle comes. We are meant to be a people who have stood the test of time and come out stronger in the end. We can only do this by putting on the Armor of God daily. 

What are the vulnerable areas in your life that you need to secure with the Armor of God?

PRAYER:

Lord, as I put on this armor,

Remind me of your faithfulness.

Help me trust your word.

Let your Spirit strengthen me.

Amen.