I should probably add – unless we choose to live our lives on our own ‘abilities’, according to what we think. If this particular writing seems familiar … it probably is. It is critical for us since WE are the actors, WE do the doing, BUT… BUT WE HAVE THE ANSWERS, THE METHOD TO SUCCESS… ABIDE IN HIM! Stand on the scriptures that tell you who you are, whose you are, and what you can do!
“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” [Ephesians 6: 10-12]
What are we asked to do? 1. Be Strong in the Lord. 2. Put on the full armor of God. Why? So that we can stand up against all the schemes and strategies of the devil. To me, this sounds like we have everything we need to successfully defeat the devil in our lives. Also the Word tells us that if we resist the devil… he will flee.(James 4:7). Do you know what being strong looks like? One thing I am sure of is that if I have accepted Jesus as my Lord that because He said He would never leave or forsake me, then there iw no room for the devil. Never believe the lie that the devil attempts to advance that he is stronger and has claim over you. And trust me – he never wants you to realize who you are and whose you are.
Do you know how to be strong? Putting away fear is one piece and putting away doubt is another, though this is not an exhaustive list but these 2 are always present. Each of us seems to have our own little Achilles heel. For some it’s pride… for another is can be hesitancy and I could go on but the point is – WE have to lay these feelings aside and believe what the Lord has said (and proven) plus what He does, has done, and continues to do on our behalf.
You do realize that you have both armor and weapons?! Without armor we aren’t protected from the enemy’s fiery arrows and without our weapons, how do we fight? Scriptural foundation:
Armor
“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral
courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” [Ephesians 6:13-17. AMP]
Weapons
“The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.”
[2 Corinthians 10: 4-6]
Yes… I do talk about our armor and weapons a great deal – they’re important! This is no mere skirmish we’re in – this is all out war and until we take it as serious as it is, we are entering into a conflict with one had tied behind our back. Foolishness. When reading about our armor, reread verse 10-12 to further understand what the armor is and can do. In my thinking we also have another weapon – what Jesus said when He defeated the devil: ‘It Is Written’. Our sword is only as effective as we have taken the time to study, learn, understand, apply the Word of God. With the armor and the weapons… we are totally ready and able to defeat the devil and I mean every time he attempts to kill, steal, destroy and uses deception, lies seductions.
While we aren’t fighting alone we aren’t passive. https://harvest.org/know-god-article/how-to-stand-strong-through-the-devils-attacks/ is an interesting read. The article points out:
- Be strong in the Lord.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). - Satan recognizes that God is your power-base.
Therefore, Satan’s goal is to get between your soul and God. - Remember God’s love for you.
John 10:29 and Romans 8:38–39 - Remember Christ’s victory over Satan at the cross.
1 John 3:8 / Colossians 2:14 / John 12:31–32
We are not fighting for our victory, we are fighting from His victory! - Resist the devil.
James 4:7 and Ephesians 4:27).
We read these methods of overcoming the devil in the Word and in other books. When we see the devil using 1 or more of his wiles, we can always use those defenses. We also have fellow brothers and sisters to stand with us – the prayer of agreement accomplishes much. And yes, I write on this topic all the time! Why? Because it is not just important… it is critical. The enemy will try all tricks and lies to deceive us and render us ineffective. WE are the ones who are equipped to overcome the devil. WE can do this but not of ourselves. WE are equipped and we have our Triune God with us to lead us to victory!
