Joe and Jessa when I played basketball there was one team that I hated to play. I dreaded the outspoken, angry and rude ladies that sat on the front row of their bleachers. They would yell the whole game! Ironically, not cheering for their team BUT harassing our team! They hated to lose!
I definitely had a strong defensive game but they made me think twice about playing all out. Each time I shut down a player on their team the more flack I got! Even though they couldn't do anything to physically stop me, or hurt me their words were powerful and crippling. I am embarrassed to say that I allowed them to impact me and my game.
Satan is no different than these obnoxious ladies.
He tells me that I am not SECURE in my relationship with the Lord
I put on the HELMET of Salvation
He mocks my past FAILURES and my desire to be HOLY
I put on the BREASTPLATE of Righteousness
He distorts RIGHT and WRONG
I put on the BELT of Truth
He points out all the things that are OUT of CONTROL around me
I hold out my SHIELD of Faith
He belittles the MESSAGE of HOPE that I have to share
I put on my Gospel of Peace BOOTS
He perverts what God says
I hold up my Bible
My SWORD
I am told to stand NOT fight! Fight implies that there isn't a champion! Satan will try to make me think that he still has a shot to win but he has been defeated! All he can do is heckle me! Due to my ALS my Armor of God looks more like an IRON MAN suit. I need more girth to hold me up but I am ready to STAND for the Lord!
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
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.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.