Is your Armour Ready?
The world can seem pretty bleak at times can’t it. Just looking at the news reports over the last couple of weeks we’ve dealt with petrol shortages; our gas and electricity prices and council tax bill’s set to rise next year; the extra £20 a week for Universal credit ceasing; more cases of the flu than ever before this winter…the list goes on. It can all feel a little bleak, especially as the nights start to draw in, with colder darker days ahead of us. It can really feel like we are in a constant battle – and that is exactly where we are. It’s no coincidence that Paul writes about putting on the armor of God in Ephesians 6,
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour 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 armour 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.
I know I forget sometimes that in all the earthly struggles we face, God is right there fighting the battle with us, but that we need to stay strong in our faith. That it is our responsibility to be prepared. No one heads into a battle without armour on – and neither should we. God has given us all the pieces we require to stand firm and to fight the devils’ schemes. He has covered us in his truth, in his righteousness, with his peace, his salvation and his spirit all we add to this is our faith – our faith in him in the midst of all that the devil throws at us.
I love how Paul, after saying all the above he adds,
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.
He reminds us that after putting on all of God’s armour to pray on ALL occasions. He reminds us that prayer is powerful and not to be missed. He states to pray “all kinds or prayers” – that means everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly and to put forward requests for help.
So, in the midst of all the battles, he has given us what we need to stand firm and to fight.
Let’s pray…
- For those dealing with sicknesses
- For those who are fighting mental health
- For those who feel weary because they have been battling for so long
- For those worrying about finances
Written by Naomi Ackland, Office Coordinator