A Prayer to Help Us Stand Firm
By Kristine Brown
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT)
Do you ever feel like you’re going through the same battle again and again? Like you never find relief from the struggles you’re facing? Maybe, like me, you’ve heard the saying— that each one of us is either about to enter a battle, right in the middle of one, or coming out of one into a time of rest. That can easily cause worry or fear unless we’ve prepared ourselves by having God’s armor firmly in place.
Many of us get introduced to the Full Armor of God described in Ephesians early in our journey as Christ-followers. God’s armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:13-17)
It’s both comforting and reassuring to know God provides all the protection we need for life’s battles. We may see the enemy approaching and know a war is imminent, or we may have been fighting for our lives and the lives of our families for years. Regardless of where we are on that journey, God’s armor helps us to stand firm.
Paul’s instruction to the church at Ephesus about how to wear God’s armor gave them hope and encouragement to persevere through difficulties. God’s Word through Paul still applies to our lives today. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT)
In this verse, we discover an important truth about the enemy’s attempts to attack. The devil has a collection of strategies he will use against us. He knows where we are vulnerable, and he will try to exploit that. But God’s plan is more powerful than any tactic of the enemy. God’s Word says we will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. What a promise! By daily putting on God’s armor, we will have the power to stand firm, whatever we face. Praise God for equipping us for battle.
In verse 13, Paul reaffirms this promise. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Our armor provides what we need before, during, and even after the battle. With it, we will still be standing.
So whatever we’re marching toward today, let’s face it with our armor on. Let’s also follow Paul’s advice in Ephesians 6:18, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” Our Mighty King will never leave us to fight alone.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for equipping us with mighty armor for the battles we face in life. When we feel like struggles will never end, we have the promise of your protection and your presence. Help us begin each day prepared for battle with your armor in place.
Thank you for the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation. And may we always rely on our weapon of warfare, the sword of the Spirit, which is your powerful Word. With it, we can stand firm against any strategy the enemy throws at us. We are overcomers because we are children of God. Help us remember that truth each and every day. Because of your son Jesus, we have victory over the enemy’s schemes. We stand firm today in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
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Originally published Tuesday, 14 November 2023.
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