"Stay Alert!" Be Equipped

Sometimes I find myself thinking of the “what ifs” and the “whys”.

Have you ever played that game with life?

It’s been a month now that my sister has went to be with the Lord.  Sometimes it doesn’t seem real, yet it is.

I find myself thinking about everything over and over, taking deep breaths once in awhile and trying to focus on other things.

For example; the thought of all the people that were in prayer for my sister.

I mean really… I had emails, text messages, phone calls from everywhere of loving people that were praying for my sister. 

Thank you for all the ones that have lifted up her and our family in your prayers during these times. Honestly it was a lot of prayer as people were having special services at church, prayer meetings, prayer chains at work, etc.

Matthew 21:22
You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

And then it would pass through my head,

“With all those people praying…Why this outcome?”

I found myself almost to the point of doubting, like I was being tempted.

In a period of weakness from the loss of a loved one, would Satan attack?

Yeah he sure would, because he’s a coward and he’ll try any way he can.  

I pray for all that may be encountering Satan's schemes; I pray that you will put on the Armor of God daily as you walk through your week knowing that our God is our helper and that He is Victorious!

Hebrews 13:6 , Psalm 44:6-8

Look at Matthew 4:1-11 as he tried tempting Christ during his 40 days in the wilderness. He tempted him with hunger, having authority, power, ownership, and even tried tempting him with testing God. Each temptation was answered the same way—with the words “It is written.” Jesus knew the Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. If Jesus Himself used the Word to counter the devil, do we dare to use anything less?

This scripture teaches some crucial truths: we can only be strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

Ephesians 6:13-18  

¹³ 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. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

The spiritual armor God gives us is for us to use. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to speak the truth against Satan’s lies. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we receive. We are not to waver in our faith, no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. We are to follow Jesus’ example in recognizing that some spiritual victories are only possible through prayer. 

Why wouldn’t I think that Satan would try and trip me up during these times?

1 Peter 5:8
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 

You know I think Satan will try to trip us up as Christians, maybe he won’t always use the typical sinful desires, but those aren't the only tricks up his sleeves.

On Sunday mornings we've been on a series of the Armor of God, how true is this verse, knowing that Satan is out there with his schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-12
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.”