Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ~ Eph 6:10-13 (ESV)
There is an enemy of our soul. He’s not passive. He’s clever. He’s destructive.
He employs cosmic power and devious schemes. He measures his success by the residue, despair, and debris that he leaves in his wake. He uses, abuses, lies and cheats to accomplish his purposes.
He is real. He is tenacious.
But, he is powerless to stand against the might of the one true God. His weapons turn impotent, his schemes shrivel, his darkness is exposed.
Make no mistake; grace and mercy stand on the reclaimed soil that blood bought. This is war. Every good, every hint of decency, every sacrifice of love, every act of mercy has its genesis in the breath of a gracious God, Our Father.
“Finally, be strong,” The armor left in our closet, the weapons allowed to rust, the strategy that’s been relegated to a family room bookshelf exposes vulnerability. It creates opportunity, for evil. For the unthinkable.
Every weapon God has issued will be required.
Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. ~ Eph 6:15-18 (The Message)
Make no mistake, the battle of good and evil is real, it’s demanding, and it’s absolutely winnable.
“, and having done all, to stand firm.”
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