Ephesians 6:10 [AMP] 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
When I was a little girl, I loved to dress up like Wonder Woman. Once I put on the costume, especially those gold arm cuffs, I instantly believed that I had some awesome powers. Even these pretend powers made me feel like I was unstoppable. Then the play fighting began with siblings, cousins, and friends--- again me believing that I was so strong and could beat everyone else [laughing].
But now, I am an adult and the battles I have been through, are going through, and will go through are not as fun as pretend play. These battles are real and come in so many ways to us, whether through relationships, our health, our thought-life, finances, mental health, life's trials & tribulations, and the list goes on.
The difference between my childhood dress-up story and the one I describe now, is that the enemy is seeking to destroy anyone in his path. Not only that, the childhood story was pretend fighting, whereas now the battle is real and it is spiritual, things going on behind what we can physically see that plays out in our lives. And if we are not suited up in the right armor we become easier prey for the enemy as he desires to destroy you, me, our daughters, our sisters, our mothers and our girlfriends. But the good news is we have been given a suit that withstands all battles- the armor of God. We are to be strengthened by the Lord, not by our own power [or make believe costumes], but by His power! We are designed to stand by the power of Jesus Christ!
Per Ephesians 6:11 [ AMP] "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".
Reflection
It is inevitable that we are in an ongoing battle, but here's how we can win and sustain in the fight is:
1. we can receive strength- we have access to strength from the Mighty One! to help us
2. we must first put on what He has given us to use in the fight
3. to not attempt to handle the battles with our own devices and skills {because it's not a natural battle}, rather the battle is spiritual and can only be handled and won with His given armor to us
4. we must use this armor in EVERY situation
And once we have put on His given armor, and use it in the way He instructs, then we can truly stand our ground!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the armor I need to get through all things in life! Open my heart Lord to be eager to put on the armor daily so that I can be enlightened and not tossed to and fro. And help me to trust that though I may not see exactly what is happening behind the scenes in my life, that I find peace in knowing that You have already placed me in a position of victory. In the Mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen!
Sister Tee West
❤️❤️🙌🏽🙌🏽