Ephesians 6

Scripture - Observation - Application - Prayer

Paul continues to give instructions about how to treat one another, but then he goes onto to say something very interesting. He says to put on the full armour of God because "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." This is the first mention in this book (that I've picked up) of protecting ourselves against evil that we can't see with our eyes. Our true battle is a spiritual one and therefore we must prepare and equip ourselves.

Luckily, Paul spells out exactly how to do this:
"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. In addition to all this, 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."

Instead of getting myself scared of the dark, I can put on the armour of God and know that I am protected from attacks from the enemy. One thing that I've learned is that the more I strive for God, the more I notice little attacks trying to bring me down. The devil freaks out when he realises that you love God. He will try anything to get you away. He'll try and put little thoughts in your head of inferiority or worthlessness, he'll try to tell you that you sin too much that God can't possibly love you. Any weakness you have, he'll try get a foothold. But, remember James 4:7 "...resist the devil and he will flee"!

My application is to simply put on the armour of God every day. I'll wear the belt of truth so that my faith doesn't fall apart as it is founded in truth. I'll put on the breastplate of righteousness so that I can act according to God's will and not let sin overcome me. On my feet, I'll be prepared for anything and be at peace with it because I know from the gospel that it's worth it. I try my utmost to take up the shield of faith, believing through anything that God is with me and He loves me and He has good plans for me, despite the current circumstances. With the helmet of salvation protecting me - for I know that I'm saved and nothing can take that away - I will finally learn the word of God, which is the sword of the spirit to cut down the enemy and his lies.

Father, I ask that you protect me from the enemy. I want to grow in faith and peace, so that I can fully trust in You no matter what. I understand that I cannot be idle as the battle is on-going. So help me persevere for You. Amen.

[Read Ephesians 6: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206&version=NIV]