Suit Up!

"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."

Ephesians 6:10-11

In the last two chapters of the book of Ephesians Paul gives us some very practical marching orders as to how we ought to be living our lives.  This is the final charge Paul gives us, he tells us "finally... put on the whole armor of God".  This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, our shoes being the readiness given by the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.  Not only does Paul use imagery here of a Roman soldier that the people at that time, in that area, would understand clearly, but we have an incredible understanding of armor.  We know that armor does two main things, gives us strength, and gives us protection.  Out there in the world today, Satan is constantly scheming and deceiving, and trying to get us to fall into temptation.  If the devil can get us there, then he can use guilt and shame to keep us there, ultimately destroying our lives and our testimony of God's power in our lives.  In the first book of Peter 5:8 we are told, "be sober-minded; be watchful; your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  For many of us, at times, it's almost as if we can feel Satan prowling.  Those things that tempt us the most the devil seems to be prowling around us, and if we are not careful to put on the whole armor of God, to build us up and give us strength, we can fall to the schemes of the devil.  This is an apparent huge challenge to those of us in recovery.  The temptation that we can fall into, if we are not careful, leads to an obvious struggle and stronghold, and ultimately death.  We must be all the wise to put on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and to study the word in the Spirit.  Paul goes on in verse 18 of this scripture to tell us to pray at all times.  This is the gas that fuels the engine.  When we pray in the Spirit, and are praying always, God will make a way for us out of the schemes of the devil we face.  The Lord wants us to pray to him for the strength his armor provides.  Which one of these pieces of God's armor is your weakest point?  Today, pray and ask God to help you put on his entire armor, so that you may walk in victory!  Love you all.  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!