“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.” Eph. 6:12 NIV
This Christian life is a battle and we have an enemy that does not fight fair. The bible tells us that our enemy, the devil, “…prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan hates God and his people and would seek to thwart God’s victory in our lives and our witness. We are not unaware of his cruel schemes to play with the mind, livelihood and freedom of those around us and in our family. So how can we as parents exercise our faith and stand firm against this enemy of our soul?
First, we remember that praise be to God, we are not helpless or defenseless. Jesus himself has given us his presence and promise in Matthew 28:20 to be with us always. He has given us his authority, “… to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy…”(Luke 10:19), and He has given us his armor.
As parents it is imperative for us to live with our armor on in the spirit (Eph. 6:10-18). It is God’s desire for us and our children to live victorious and confident in him. We must daily spend time with the Lord and receive from him the strength of his might. Nothing is impossible with him or surprising to him. Our great king in his goodness and love has provided us with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He also promises that, “…EVERYONE born of God OVERCOMES the world” (1 John 5:4). We can’t lose.
Will you put on your armor with me today?
- I “…stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist (Eph. 6:14). Jesus is the truth. John 16:13 says, “the spirit of truth guides me into all the truth.”
- I put on the breastplate of righteousness. Jesus is my righteousness and his spirit enables me to live righteously. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- I put on for shoes “readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). I will be ready, by the grace of God, to share the hope of the gospel to anyone he gives me opportunity (family included). Isaiah 52:7 states, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
- I pick up my shield of faith with which God promises that I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I choose to hide behind who the Lord says He is in his word and to stand on his promises. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- I put on the helmet of salvation. Jesus Christ is my salvation. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?”
- Finally, I pick up my sword of the spirit which is the word of God. It is my weapon of offense and defense. I commit to knowing and cherishing God’s precious word and to keeping it close to my heart and mind in battle. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
- I trust that as the Lord has equipped me, he will also keep me. May my life bring him glory, honor and praise today among my family and in my community.
Beloved parent, you are now outfitted. May the Lord bless you as you continue on your pilgrimage with him toward his holy city and inspire your children to do the same. Remember, your fight is not against flesh and blood, and the fight of faith is good because the battle belongs to the Lord. Press on!
Sophia Howard
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