After overcoming one of the hardest seasons of my life, I thought things would finally get easier. I was obeying God and doing all that He'd asked me to do, but after a time of victory, I was back into battle.
I was faced with accusations getting thrown at me and fears from my past started to creep in again.
I remember asking God, "Why is this all happening? Aren't I in your will?"
God then spoke to me one morning and said, "Just because you are armored doesn't mean you are safe from battle. Because you are armored, you are ready for battle."
It was in that moment when I realized God was preparing and equipping me this whole time to learn to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
Being a Christian does not mean we will pass through the hardships of life. We live in a world where the enemy is still roaring like a lion, seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). But because we have Christ, we can go through battles and finish victorious.
Jesus says in John 16:33, "...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." The pain of this world will be real and fear will be present, but with Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
While we have Christ in us who helps us in our weaknesses, we still have to put on the full armor of God to win the battle. Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
What does the full armor of God look like? Ephesians 6:14-17 explains it:
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace... take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
We need to put on the full armor of God to come out victorious. The shield of faith is critical to block against the fears that the enemy will attack us with. We must be living in righteousness to prevent our hearts from impurity and hold on to salvation that Jesus gave us. Lastly, we need to use the word of God to bring down any lies and temptations the enemy will throw at us.
We need every aspect of the armor of God to successfully overcome the attacks of the enemy. If we are missing even one of the armors of God, we are giving room for the enemy to attack us. Imagine going into battle with everything except a sword. You may last for a while but will eventually die.
Just like any battle, we too are in an intense battle against the enemy. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." No matter what you are going through, know that Jesus is for you. He came to give you life to the fullest.
In the midst of my battles, I had to use the sword of God which is the word of God, and speak it over every accusation that was thrown at me. I learned that no lie of the enemy could break me down because I was holding on to the truth of Jesus.
There is no weapon greater than the word of God. We can use the advice that the world offers, but it won't sustain us. We will eventually wear out and grow weary. But God's word is flawless. Psalm 18:30 says, "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
We must not entertain any thought but bring it down right away with the word of God. We are letting go of our armor in the midst of battle the moment we entertain bad thoughts.
The enemy will throw fears in our mind that speak against the truth of God. It's in those moments when we must make the choice to believe in God's word over our fears. God's word has never failed and will never fail. He has a faithful track record like no other.
We can be sure that on the other side of the battle is God's promises for our lives. God was leading Joshua and the others to their promised land, but they had to go through impossible battles. Their first obstacle was to cross the Jordan river while it was at flood stage and highest peak (Joshua 3:15).
Despite the impossibility, God was able to dry out the river the moment the priests who were holding the ark of God stepped into the river. All of Israel crossed the Jordan river on dry land (Joshua 3:17).
Through it all, God made one promise to Joshua that He also is promising us:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
We may go through the toughest battles, but God promises to always be with us. Be bold and courageous because God is taking you through the battle into your promise land. No matter the battle, know that a mighty God is with you and for you. So remember, you are armored for battle.
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