I’m Still Standing!

I was watching a piece on the news that focused on the people of Ukraine. They are in a war that Russia has brought upon their country and winter is approaching. Many have been displaced, some have been tortured by enemy forces. Many are living without heat, water and electricity. Life for them (and so many others) is occasional happy moments sprinkled in with the bad ones. Yet, there is still hope that people hold on to in the midst of despair. There are children still playing outside. There is still the kindness of strangers who see need and extend themselves to help out. The enemy's bombs and the occupation of various cities in Ukraine has caused them pain and heartache. These scenes and so many others, remind us over and over that this world is broken. Yet, the people of Ukraine, and people in other places around the world who have faced devastating hardships, are still standing. That is what Paul wanted Christians to know and to do. He said that we are in a battle whether we know it or not. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in this world and in the heavenly realms. Paul said that as Christians, we need to be prepared by strengthening ourselves in the Lord, wrapping ourselves in all of God's armor and praying in the Spirit. Doing all of this so that we can continue to stand and not lose hope and faith in God when the enemy attacks us. I pray that you will find strength in the Lord and the protection of His full armor as you withstand the attacks of the enemy in your life. Amen

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. (Ephesians 6:10-12) Paul came to the end of his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, having told them about all that God had done for them, (salvation and a glorious inheritance in heavenly realms). And having told them how Christians should operate in their church relationships and in their family relationships. Now he informed them that there is a battle raging, and they are soldiers in God’s army. And as soldiers, the forces of evil will come against them. So, as soldiers, Christians need to know how to prepare for and survive this battle. First, Paul tells us as Christians that we are to prepare ourselves by being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Just as boot camp and training exercises get soldiers ready for combat, so we must exercise our faith and our trust in the power of God to get ready for this battle. If we are weak in the Lord, then we are not in shape or fit for the battle that the enemy is bringing against us. Without strengthening ourselves in the Lord, then, putting on the full armor of God, will do us very little good. But when we strengthen ourselves in God and His power, we can then put on the full armor of God and be prepared to stand against the enemy. Furthermore, Paul makes us aware that this battle is being fought not only in this world, but also in heaven. And it involves powerful combatants for evil: rulers, authorities, and evil forces that we can’t even see physically.

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. 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. (Ephesians 6:13-17) Given that there is a battle raging and given that you are a soldier in the army of the Lord, you must put on your full armor so that when evil comes against you, you can stand against it, keep your faith in the Lord and live. What are the pieces of God’s armor of protection for the Christian? Truth, righteousness, faith, the good news of peace, salvation and God’s word. These are things that we find in God and by wrapping ourselves in them, protect us from the enemy. They protect us from the weapons of the devil which includes: lies, injustices, unfaithfulness, chaos, death and destruction and false promises.

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. (Ephesians 6:18) Paul concludes his thought on the Christian’s battle against the forces of evil by telling us to pray. For there is power in prayer. He says pray in all circumstances and on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. That includes, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of petition, prayers of intercession, prayers of adoration for God, prayers of confession and prayers of repentance… in short all kinds of prayers and requests. Not only for yourself, but for others also. These prayers are to be offered through the Holy Spirit, our helper, who knows what to pray for and can communicate our prayers to our Father in heaven (see Romans 8:26-27).

Does it feel like you’re in a battle? That’s because you are. Paul told us that we are in a battle against powerful forces and we can’t even see what’s coming or where it’s coming from. That’s why we have get strong in the Lord, get fully clothed with God’s armor and stay prayed up at all times. Only then are you be able to stand when the battle inevitably comes against you and the enemy is on the attack. Money won’t save you, prestige can’t protect you, fame isn’t enough and friends will fail you. When the enemy attacks, you need know how to call on the Lord, find your strength in Him, and outfit yourself in His full armor. Then you will be able to proclaim, “the enemy tried to take me out… but I’m still standing.