02/06/2019
Do you wear the armor of God when you go out into the world? Do you put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit? When you put these on do you consider yourself fully clothed and ready to face whatever evil the day brings? Well my friend, although we count our armor as complete, there is one piece lacking that is crucial, and we seldom list it as being part and parcel of our armor.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
We read about our armor in Ephesians 6, but most of the time we stop at verse 17, and consider ourselves ready to face whatever comes, but there is one more piece that prepares us... a piece that we can’t see from the outside. All of the external protection is in place, but there is one piece that is more important than all of these because it strengthens them all... prayer!
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
There is an old saying that is so true, and it goes like this... “It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the dog that matters most!” I have watched many times as a small dog became the alpha dog in a household because of its determination and aggressiveness. Sometimes these small dogs are so tiny that a single bite from the larger one could easily kill it, and yet that bite never comes because the little dog’s aggression frightens the other, and forces it to retreat.
Prayer; this is the final piece of our armor, it is the mental and spiritual preparation that makes our defenses, and sword, far more effective than its design allows otherwise. When you put on your armor and enter the world are you prepared for the fight? Are you truly ready to face and defeat all that life will throw against you? No, only through prayer can your resolve be magnified by the power of God, and only by praying for your fellow believers can you strengthen all those around you!
By prayer we gather our strength and determination, but by intercessory prayer we strengthen those who stand to our left, right, those who go before us, and follow behind. There is another old saying I want to quote here... “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” When we pray without ceasing we are encouraged against our foe, but when we pray for one another our joint strength becomes like an army, and with God as our champion we are invincible.
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."”
Matthew 18:19-20 ESV
So it is that we are each told to put on our outer coverings to protect us, and to pick up our sword to wield against our attackers, but before we take our first step, Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray, and to pray without ceasing. By praying we become stronger by many fold, and a small number of believers becomes as effective as a troop, or an army.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
So put on your armor today, but don’t take a single step before you harden and increase the strength of the spiritual warrior within by prayer and supplication. Pray for those believers around you, and call out to God signaling Him that you are prepared for Him to lead you... then go in full confidence.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."”
Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the armor of faith in which you dress us, and for the sword which you have provided us as our defense, but most of all Holy Father, thank you for hearing our prayers, and strengthening the Spirit within us. Thank you for leading us through our day Lord, and for all those who travel bravely at our side. We sing your praises as we march, and fear nothing that lies ahead for you are with us... you are our strength, our fortress, and our defender. Even though the tides of battle might ebb and flow, you will send angels to raise the arms of Moses and give us victory. We have no fear or doubt with you before us, and our prayers continue unabated all the day long. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God... our strong tower and mighty champion. Praised be your name as we repulse the forces of evil, and all glory is yours in our victory. Your right arm is our hope, and your judgement the spear that repulses all those who attack us. Great are you our champion, now and forevermore.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalms 121:1-4 ESV
Rich Forbes