Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. -1 Peter 5:9 ESV
My eyes opened to pitch black. The rapid beating of my heart was the only movement in the room as I was paralyzed in fear. A cold sweat enveloped my body. I willed the words to come out pressing them through my clenched jaw, “ J-J-Je- sus!”
My body was released. Turning to my side, I filled the air with His name taking deeper breaths each time. Reaching to turn the lamp on, I sat up and grabbed my bible. Completely overwhelmed, tears began to stream down my face. I had just seen a demon’s face. Nothing can quite describe it, except an evil and fear I have never felt before. I began to recite Psalm 91 out loud.
As I read the promise of protection, the face began to fade and a vision of tall angelic pillars at each corner of my townhome appeared. With each line, my sobbing plea became a confident proclamation.
This was one of many night terrors I would have while my husband was away on patrol. Each time, the transition from fear to faith would quicken. Soon enough it took only seconds for me to gain my composure. I look back and am thankful for the up-close encounter with true fear. This experience taught me the seriousness of spiritual warfare and the power I have inherited in Christ.
Satan is clever, but Jesus is wisdom and truth. Satan is powerful but Jesus has endless power. Satan has authority over the earth but Jesus has all authority, including over Satan. The Lord has equipped us to overcome this evil world just as He has. But we have to choose. Will we let fear take over or will we resist in faith?
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:6-8 ESV
It is easy to make statements about the power of Christ and have the cognitive understanding that we are overcomers through Him. But walking this out is more complex. It is only by pressing into Christ that we are able to overcome, the working of the Holy Spirit.
Although we take no credit for the power and strength afforded to us in Christ, we do play a part. We still have to choose to put on Christ.
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. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. - Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
So, putting on the armor of God is how we resist the devil. But how do we put on armor? If we read verses 14-19 we are given an idea. I would like to share what I get when I read these verses but please note, I am not a Bible teacher. This is just my take.
The belt of truth is what will help us identify the lies of the enemy. Where do we find truth, the Bible. The breastplate of righteousness is our choice to stay pure, therefore freeing us from the hold of the devil. This requires self control which is a fruit of the Spirit. The shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace will ensure that we have confidence that the outcome will be good, preparing us to step forward. I think the next thing is key.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. - Ephesians 6:16 ESV
If you have ever seen the T-shirt design that says “ Faith over Fear”, it probably came from this verse. You cannot be fearful and faithful at the same time. Faith is making the decision to believe what God says over what Satan says. Christians will say they trust in God and the next moment worry about something. I know, because I do it all the time. So many of us have difficulty believing God’s promises are for us. The thought, it is true for others but not me is a lie that keeps us from taking hold of and utilizing them.
The helmet of salvation is our security in our relationship with Christ. He will not abandon us, no matter how much we mess up. Through Christ, we always have a means back to the Father. The sword of the spirit, which is the word of God is similar to the belt of truth but not the same.
In addition to transforming our minds, the word of God can also be used as a weapon. We can take action with the power of the word! This is why speaking the word out loud is so effective in standing firm against the enemy. We are not just called to make it through our circumstances but God has given us the ability to take action and fight back.
Paul finishes his instruction by urging the Ephesians to pray at all times in the Spirit. One of the lies the enemy tells is that we can do it on our own. But we can’t. We were created to be dependent on God and on others. How different would our walk be if our first response to everything we do is to pray about it? God is here to help but we need to ask.
I don’t know about you, but I am tired of being pushed around. If you feel the same, let’s decide to take up the whole armor of God together. Know the Word, believe the Word, do the Word, and proclaim the Word. We have nothing to fear. Our Bridegroom is so powerful that the mere utterance of His name makes the demons tremble. We got this, He's got this.
Remember to prioritize firsthand Bible reading every day, only the Word has the power to transform. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
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