I had a great conversation last night about warfare. It is showing up everywhere. I am seeing it my own life and in those around me. Discouragement, depression, frustration, misunderstanding, accusations; these are just some of the ways it has been showing up around me. It is real. It is hard. Satan's stradegy is different for everyone. Sometimes it is hard to identify what we are experiencing. It is easy to go into a mode of self-pity.
Two things were shared with me about turning this around.
1. Get the attention of self. Don't eat of the fruit of self-pity. Or play with selfish pride. Bless others.
2. Thankfulness- Be thankful in all things. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
A few years ago I was going through something and I received a letter of encouragement in it the person spoke something that I will always remember. Most will know the verse from Ephesians 6:12
Ephesians 6:12For 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.
Here is what my friend did, she said "For your struggle is not against (insert person's name) 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.
Our struggles are not against our husbands, our children, our places of employment, any organization we may participate in, it is not our neighbors, our friends or even our enemies! It is spiritual.
In addition to Blessing others and being thankful I think we can do one very important thing. Put on the armor. Check out the context of Ephesians chapter 6.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
So my friends, be strong in the Lord! Pray in the Spirit on all occasions! Be alert! Be thankful! Bless others!
3 comments:
Thank you for reminding us of this.
thanks for that reminder. Ephesians 6:12 has been one of my favorite verses. I've been trying to remember to pray Ephesians 6 every morning.
I've always been fascinated (wrong word?) by spiritual warfare.
The HOLY SPIRIT also gave me something from Paul's writings. I am not sure where it was.
Something like
"...In all things therewith to be content." I just kept repeating it over and over. "Therewith to be content."
Then HE said unconditional love. I think many times for me my joy is stolen by the devil because he knows that if I have cause to be angry at someone I feel justified in my negative feelings. But we are to love even our enemies. So unconditional means that I am to love without expecting appreciation in return.
I am tired I hope I made sense.
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