Are you in a battle, sis? What's going on? I want to tell you that the struggle is real! I know. But guess what? The Bible tells us that our fellow Christian brothers and sisters are going through the same struggles all around the world. First Peter 5:8-9 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." (NLT)
So you're not alone. And if you've clicked onto this post, I believe Jesus is calling you to be encouraged in your faith, but also put to remind you to put on the full armor of God and wear it to fight and win!
But before I get into this familiar weaponry, I want to give you a few practical tips. When you are in a battle, I know it's hard, sis. I know the weight feels really heavy to bear. I know the tears and the lack of understanding, "Why is this happening?" But when those things happen, I want to encourage you to pray for starters, but also call someone to pray for you as well.
Also, seek ways to calm down, release the stress in a godly manner, and allow the Lord to work it all out in His perfect timing to either ease the pain or hurt, or to work out the situation for everyone's good and best interest. He is a very BIG God and He cares about you and all that concerns you (See 1 Peter 5:7). He is with you in the battle. He's totally got your back! So trust Him for the victory.
Now, let's take a look at what it looks like to put on the Full Armor of God, because that's also what you'll need to win in this battle you're facing…
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Gospel (Shoes) of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- And the Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)
All of this comes from Ephesians 6:14-17 (*I recommend that you read it, meditate on it, memorize it, and study it). ;-)
Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” And Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” *Always remember that our battle is not necessarily with people. Our true battle is with our great enemy Satan.
Put on the Belt of Truth – Break out the Word of God. Whether that is reading your Bible in devotion or app, on your refrigerator, on a coffee mug, on an index card, or whichever method you use. Put that Word on! But also be truthful in all you do. In your conversations, writings, texts, inboxes, emails, etc. Be a woman of integrity. Make a conscious choice to live out God’s truth and be truthful. John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Live truthfully in every way, and you will overcome him!
Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness – Know that it’s His righteousness. So always make your boast in Him. Putting on this piece of God’s armor guards your heart from unwanted sin and it also tells the devil, “I’m living right according to God’s Word. So back up, because my heart is for God!” 1 John 3:7-8 says, “Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it is because they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning…” (NLT) So watch him! Put on your breastplate today.
Put on the Gospel of Peace (Shoes of Peace) – Protect your feet by putting on the gospel of peace. Be ready to share the Good News about Christ which brings peace to those who are ready to receive Him or hear about Him. Be ready to move when God says move. And let the Lord lead you to the right people, to the right places, and through the right methods in sharing the gospel. But before you go, do what 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” If you do this, with all humility, reverence of God, and with a pure heart, you will be a force to be reckoned with!
Put on the Shield of Faith – Raise up your shield, sis. When the enemy throws arrows of doubt, fear, worry, unbelief, defeat, lack of hope, lack of trust, depression, guilt, condemnation, you name it…raise up your shield of faith and raise it up quickly, so that it doesn’t penetrate your heart or head. Of course, if you’re wearing your helmet of salvation and breastplate of righteousness, he won’t be able to get you anyway. ;-) But your shield gives you that extra protection against your enemy. Why? Because it's FAITH. It shows that you trust God no matter what the enemy throws your way. Ephesians 6:16 says, “In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.” So don’t fight without it. Raise it up and BELIEVE GOD!
Put on the Helmet of Salvation - Guard your mind. Protect it at all cost. You do this by casting down imaginations, unwelcome or unholy thoughts, a negative mindset, worry, fear, doubt, unforgiveness, and more. All of this weighs heavily on the mind. So think about God’s Word and what He says about you while in the battle you're facing. Speak 2 Corinthians 10:5 which says, “Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” *Kick the devil out of your thoughts quickly by renewing your mind with the Word of God, so that you can move on and have a peace of mind.
Pull Out the Sword of the Spirit – This is the WORD OF GOD! And it’s a very powerful weapon used against the enemy. Second Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” God will help you tear down strongholds in your life and help you fight against the enemy through His Word. So use it! And use it wisely. It’s there not only to help you fight against him, but also sin in your life. Remember, Satan wants you to sin against God. He's in a war against God for souls. So when he brings sin to you, cut it up like the game, “Fruit Ninja!” Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.” (NLT) Cuts like a knife!
Use the Weapon of Prayer - Whatever you do, don't stop praying. There is sooooooo much power in prayer. It's another great weapon. So use it! Ephesians 6:18 says, "Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit." (NLT)
I want to also remind you sis, that if you’re going to do anything for the Lord, know that you are going to experience spiritual warfare. It’s inevitable. And that battle can come from within and the outside of your home. But remember, we’re fighting unseen enemies that will stop at nothing to try to hinder us from fulfilling God’s plan for our lives or to just wreak havoc! However, you and I need to understand that we’re not alone and we have power. We’ve got supernatural protection for a supernatural fight.
Well, there it is! I hope this helps you fight this battle that you're in. Declare God's Word, pray, bring in prayer warriors, find ways that will help you to get through God's way, and by all means...get dressed for the battle and WIN! You are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ! Believe it, sis!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Are you in a battle right now, sis? Have you put on your full armor yet? Do you need prayer today? If you need prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
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