The printer doesn’t work. The car gets a flat tire. You get sick. Your phone lights up with complaints.
If you have ever been involved in ministry, whether as a volunteer, or for your job, you know – there are obstacles everywhere you turn. Your heart is to serve, but you find in the midst of your ministering that many things are difficult, and your patience is a little shorter than you thought. The twists and turns and tests prove to be more rigorous that you anticipated.
I see this all the time, both in my own work, and listening to others in ministry. The path can be very challenging.
Most often the challenges come in the form of humans. Conflicts and complaints are steady when you are in leadership. You might feel discouraged, embattled.
And guess what? You are in a battle! But not with people.
The Battle is Not Against Flesh and Blood
Ephesians 6:12 tells that our real battle is not against other humans.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12
We may live on earth, but as Believers, we have one foot in God’s heavenly kingdom as well. The battles we face here have an eternal component that you and I must remain mindful of.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
It is easy to be distracted by the joys and challenges of our day to day lives, but everything we do also has eternal significance. I have experienced times of great discouragement in ministry, times when I am exhausted and it seems like the problems will never end. I forget in those moments that my true battle is not against the people and the problems, but is rather a profound spiritual battle.
When we remember that the battle is against the enemy, it realigns us with God’s view. We can remember to stand in His strength, because obviously you and I can not fight an enemy of that magnitude alone!
Therefore Take Up the Whole Armor of God
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)
Our true strength is found in God, and God alone!
…apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5b)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
The only way we can stand is in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)
And how do we do that on a practical level? We put on the whole armor of God!
As spiritual warriors, we adorn ourselves with the one offensive and five defensive pieces of our God-given armor:
- Belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14a)
- Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)
- Shoes of readiness/peace (Ephesians 6:15)
- Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)
- Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)
- Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b)
Throughout the month of September we will take a closer look at the whole armor of God, and how you can apply the concepts of the spiritual armor to your daily life.
We pray that you will grow deeper in understanding of the protection and strength that God has provided for you!
“When we remember that the battle is against the enemy, it realigns us with God’s view.” Such an important reminder!
Hi Patty,
May I use your Armor of God graphics with my Sunday School children?
I don’t know if this worked when I tried a second ago, but can I use your Armor of God graphics in a Sunday School class?
Hi Wendi! I need to research to figure out if I got these graphics as public domain or paid for them. Can you email me at joyfulmama@gmail.com so we can further converse?
I did some hunting. I purchased the base image from depositphoto.com. Here is the direct link: https://depositphotos.com/135636106/stock-illustration-armor-of-god-elements-set.html