Saturday, February 21, 2009

Day 27 - Dear God, Help! (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Life is a battlefield.  Our eyes can see "battles" when we deal with problems with money, health, or relationships.  But have you heard that life also involves battles of the soul?  Spiritual battles?

Yes, there really is a devil.  Satan.  Enemy.  Deceiver.  Lion.  There is an evil, personal force whose mission is to destroy your life.  Jesus spoke frequently about the devil and gave a great example of how to defeat that lion.  

Paul says it here, "put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).  If you read through
these verses, you'll notice that there are several parts to this armor, but "prayer" isn't one of them.  

No, Paul speaks about prayer repeatedly in the last few verses, Ephesians 6:18-20.  Prayer could be seen as the "how" to put on the armor.  Or, "what to do once you've put your armor on."  

He says: "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions."

He says: "Be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

He says: "Pray for me," asking others to pray that he'll represent Jesus without fear!  Remember that old slogan, "no fear"?  

Strong reminders that you can pray about anything at any time.  You should be praying for your friends who are in the midst of a spiritual battle.  It's easy to get discouraged, and we all need God's help.  

Finally, ask others to pray for you in the midst of your battle.  The battle is not just "against the devil," but it's also "for the victory of God" in your own life.  

As you seek God's armor of truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the sword (Bible) of the Spirit... remember ALWAYS to call on God in prayer.  

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