Stand Your Ground
Opening Prayer
Lord, as this week ends, I thank You for all the good in it and turn the disappointments over to You, too.
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
[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 Lord’s people. [19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How is one able to stand firm against satanic schemes?Scripture never promises that life will be easy. In fact, we are told that we will be persecuted if we want to live godly lives (2 Tim. 3:12). If we are serious about following Jesus, we can be sure that the enemy will try hard to stop us. After years of learning about Romania and sensing God’s call, my first trip to the country was to attend a summer language school. It was a disaster. No running water, scary transport systems, few lessons, illness–it seemed that the devil was trying hard to convince me never to return. Whether we like it or not, we are in a battle–one where our opponents are not human. This means that we don’t have to compete with people, trying to win the argument or demonstrate that we’re right. Rather, victory in this battle is about standing firm; it’s about nothing and nobody being able to shake your faith in Jesus. As we have seen over the past few days, Paul and the first generation of Christians were constantly under attack. Their victory was that nothing would stop them from preaching Christ. They stood firm.
Apply
What are the areas in which you are tempted to give in and opt for an easier life? Ask the Lord to help you stand firm.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to put on Your “full armor” each day so I can stand firm for You no matter how strong the opposition.
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