by Robert Fudge

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

We are in a spiritual battle. The devil is always at war against God’s people. The truth is that the devil is more powerful than any of us can ever hope to be – in this life. But if the devil is so powerful – and I believe we underestimate his power – how can we possibly overcome?

First, we must understand that we do not fight with our own strength. It is God who provides it for us. Notice how Paul begins this passage with “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” We noticed earlier this week that this power comes from the Holy Spirit living in us. So we don’t have to muster up our own strength, just let God work in us and through us. Notice what Paul says in Phil. 2:12-13, a passage similar to our text. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. We work out what God works in us.

God provides the armor. We are equipped by knowing and living the truth that is revealed in God’s word. The more we really know God and Jesus the more we are prepared to engage in this battle. If Jesus is truly my Lord and my commander, I have nothing to fear because he will win the battle. So for me to win, I must be on his side.

The apostle John tells us in 1 John 5:4 “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” We must trust God in this battle. If I really trust God how can I be filled with doubt or fear or anxiety? “If God is for us, who is against us?” Too often we fail to trust God to take care of our needs and provide for us. We think we must do it all ourselves. As the prophet of old said we must learn to wait upon the Lord. God does not always do it how I think it should be done or in the time frame I prefer but I can know with all my heart that he knows best and will do what is best.

Dear God, I pray that you will empower me to live for you one day at a time. I ask you to please help me to humbly accept your strength in my life. Help me to trust you to handle the problems and cares I face today. Please fill my heart with your wisdom and your love so that I may become what you want me to be. Help me to know your forgiveness in my heart so that I may forgive those who have done me wrong. Thank you Lord, for the love you have shown me through the cross of Jesus. It is in his name that I offer this prayer.

May God bless each of us with a stronger faith in him.