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Spiritual Warfare...
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV)
How might spiritual warfare become part of the discussion of new ways of living, new directions, or new outcomes?
We can make new or repeated New Year’s resolutions, attempt to walk in a new way, try harder, and pray longer, but often to no avail. When this occurs, we must ask for Holy Spirit discernment for what is genuinely going on that keeps us stuck. Lifestyle choices that started as toeholds may have become strongholds that we can’t break free from in our own strength. Something more is at work than just mere habits.
If we are going to ponder all things new, we must consider changing our outfit—you know—what we are wearing these days.
We might be dressing ourselves in clothes of defeat, feeling overcome, stress, or anxiety. Yet Jesus has provided us with a new garment—His spiritual armor to clothe us at all times.
Consider a few aspects of this new clothing:
- Belt of Truth: What His Word states regarding Who He is and who we are in Him. (John 8:31-32)
- Breastplate of Righteousness: Because of Jesus' imputed righteousness over our lives, we have the authority of His name to see our enemy vanquished. (2 Cor. 5:21)
- Shoes of Peace: The ability to be led by the Holy Spirit through what we are discerning. (Luke 1:79)
- Shield of Faith: Knowing Jesus is LORD. The standard we raise high. (Matthew 17:20)
- Helmet of Salvation: The ability to focus our thoughts on Jesus, recognizing the fullness of His salvation to the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. (2 Cor. 10:5, 1 Thess. 5:23)
- Sword of the Spirit: God’s Word saturating our lives and on our lips. (Luke 4:4)
Yes, spiritual warfare is a big topic, yet it’s simple. Jesus came to destroy the works of the world’s ruler—and He did, handing to us the necessary tools to walk in breakthrough for ourselves and others (1 John 3:8, Col. 2:15, Luke 10:17-20). He invites us to bring His kingdom down into every situation we face (Mt. 6:10). Spiritual battle takes place in prayer, led by the Spirit, and armed with His Name and His Word.
Sometimes, to see something new happen, we must go to war.
About this Plan
The Lord Jesus loves to do new things, and often we long to do something new, too. Small or large, we realize a need for a new way of living, acting, or reacting. Possibly, we desire a new road, path, vocation, or location. Let’s reflect on what God’s Word says about His newness in our lives, diving into its riches for encouragement and strength for our new day.
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