Bible & Prayer Nuggets 0219

Be Strong and Battle Ready

  ¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 ¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

Your true strength depends on how much spiritual muscle you have in the Lord, not on how many pounds of dumbbell you can lift. As a sportsman trains himself for the big occasion such as an Olympic with his eyes on the gold, we are admonished to be strong in the Lord or as stated in  2 Tim 2 v 1 … be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Tone your spiritual muscles to receive more strength by diligent study and obedience to the word of God and in prayers. The more you do this the more reserve strength you have which you can depend upon when you need it. You will need those spiritual muscles for the big occasions – fights with the devil and all the evil forces. You do not necessarily have to take the battle to them before they attack you. They wait for you unguarded moments, and then they spring their surprises. It may be in terms of your health, your family or children, your business or a combination of these or all at the same time like the case of Job. The whole amour of God is your only weapon to resist, fight and defeat the devil in every kind of tricks to lure you into his camp. The devil’s desire is to make you totaly powerless spiritually and hold you captive obeying its will only. Unfortunately as depicted in some wrestling contests, there are no rules in this match. It is the case of winner- takes- all. The enemy launches its weapons depending on your level of resistance. I will not get into the details of each armour but take the armour you are most lacking in one at a time, evaluate your present strength in that armour and  ask God for more grace and strength to use that armour. Be Strong in the Lord in Jesus Name. Amen.