I never realize how much power these passages have until I re-read them lately and with what’s going on….
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 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. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Through my walk with Christ, there are a number of times when I feel oppress. Paul in Ephesians wrote to the Christian to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. This is not a personal battle which I can wield with my talents or skills. It is His armor which I need to put on.
In those dark times, there is one thing I do, that is to rejoice in the Lord. Even when I don’t feel like it or when I am tempted, I rejoice because this is what the evil one cannot take away from me. The evil one can do whatever to me, but I will still choice to rejoice and have joy in Him.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesian 5:19-20)
