Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our battle 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. Therefore, put on the full armor 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckles around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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 saints. Ephesians 6:10-18
If these words don’t open your heart to the battles around us, and encourage your spirit to stay steadfast and strong, then I don’t know what will.
This morning, I encourage you to re-read the above verses, and as you do imagine God clothing you with each piece.
Acknowledge that people are not our problem, rather our battle is against the enemy. This single acknowledgment can absolutely change the way you see the world and how you engage those around you.
Ask the Father to give you His eyes to see the world around you.
Do you frequently encounter a person who stretches you in hard ways? Remember, your battle is not against them, rather something inside their spirit. Ask God to reveal to you what it is, and then ask Him to remove that negativity from them. They need freedom, friend. Those who are brassy and rude and down right hateful, need Jesus. What do we have to lose by being kind to them and/or praying for their freedom?.
If you will only remember what you are truly fighting against, it will change your life. Guaranteed.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
365 Days in the Presence 