Full Armor

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11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation 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. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Ephesians 6:11-18

I need to be reminded of this every day because it's easy to get sidetracked by the noise and distractions that I forget what my struggle is really against, and we are definitely in a real battle. We are in a battle for peace, calm, worship, praise, perspective, faithfulness, endurance, perseverance, strength, confidence, unity, truth and the list goes on. But praise God we are not defeated or left defenseless for Jesus is our defender and protector. We know how this story ends for those who are in Christ as the ultimate battle over sin and death has already been won. We can confidently wait for the day of Jesus' return when he makes all things right before our eyes. So until that day, we can still overcome and win the battle in our present reality because Jesus has given us every thing what we need.

May we find strength and courage to exercise the authority we have been given through the name of Jesus to overcome any struggle, discouragement or attack that comes our way. Thankful that Jesus is my firm foundation and armor. 

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