Standing your ground
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:10-13
The goal of the Christian life is to be victorious when facing challenges and temptations in life. You want to stand strong in the midst of the challenges you will be facing. From the text, the Apostle Paul who was very familiar facing different struggles in life provided an encouragement for those that desire to be firm in times of trials. He attributed the chaos that is taking place in this world to the reign of the devil. The struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, the rulers of this world's present darkness, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places. The enemy is determined to bring defeat in the life of every believer in the form of discouragement, confusion, and doubt. The enemy’s goal is for Christians to become indifferent to the truth of God’s word rendering them impotent and ineffective. In order for you to stand your ground in the face of the challenge, you are called upon to put on the whole armor of God. Though the term “armor of God” was used figuratively, yet the implication is real for without it you would not be able to stand against the attack of the enemy. The armor is realizing who you are in Christ, who is Christ to your life and the awareness of the resources He provides you. The enemy is determined to shake you up to the point that your faith in God is rendered useless. Your faith rests upon your knowledge and belief on who God is and His authority over your life. Your faith in God expressed in your trust and dependence upon Him and belief in His Word is what will sustain you. “Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16). It is also your faith in God that will keep you in constant communication with God in prayer. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:17). God wants you to have courage so you could stand. Not all of life consists of battles and struggles but they do come. When they come, you could be easily knocked off or you could stand your ground when your faith is placed upon the One who started it in your life and who will always be there to keep you strong. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). So, stand!
Blessings,
