Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

As we embark on our new life as Christians, living it out with confidence and purpose, we inevitably step into a spiritual battleground. The truth is, entering this new life means engaging in a fierce struggle against the enemy—Satan and his demonic forces. Ephesians 6:10–24 vividly reminds us, “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.”

The Nature of Our Battle

The enemy is relentless. He delights in throwing curveballs our way, creating situations designed to make us stumble, and nudging us back into our old patterns of sin. He wants nothing more than to see us give up, fight among ourselves, and create disunity within our church communities. The enemy crafts confusion in our families and uses everything at his disposal to sow discord. Yet, we have been given an arsenal of powerful weaponry to stand against these attacks—an armor that renders him powerless.
Jesus has already secured the victory over sin and the grave. As it states in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The enemy does not accept this reality; he prowls around, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. This is why it is crucial for us to be aware of his schemes and tactics, so we can stand boldly and firmly against him.

The Armor of God

To effectively face the enemy, we must put on the full armor of God. Each piece serves a specific purpose:

• The Helmet of Salvation guards our minds, reminding us to keep our thoughts focused on Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
• The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts, where our emotions reside and guides us to live righteously.
• The Boots of Peace keep us mobile and empower us to venture into the territories God has marked out for us, spreading His peace wherever we go.
• The Belt of Truth holds everything together, ensuring we live in the reality of God’s Word (John 8:32).
• The Shield of Faith extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy, serving as our defense against his lies and doubts (1 John 5:4).
• The Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our only offensive weapon, alive and active, capable of exposing and defeating the enemy’s plans (Hebrews 4:12).
  Incorporating these elements into our lives is essential. Living out God’s Word daily reinforces our armor, preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Power of Prayer

The battle strategy becomes complete when we commit to pray in the Spirit at all times. Prayer not only connects us with God—who fights our battles for us—but it also engages all of heaven in our struggle. Our prayers commission angels to fight alongside us against the enemy and his army of minions.
Prayer transforms us before it changes anything else, guiding us toward a posture of dependence on God. In the face of spiritual warfare, we must ask ourselves: Have we put on our armor? Are we ready to stand firm and fight?

A Call to Action

Today, I challenge you to step into the battle with confidence, fully equipped with the armor of God. Recognize the reality of the fight before you and take a stand against the enemy’s schemes. Remember, you are not alone. Equip yourself with the truth of God’s Word, stand firm in faith, and engage in fervent prayer.
As you prepare for the challenges ahead, feel the empowerment that comes from knowing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. Let’s put on our armor and face this battle together—armored, alert, and ready to conquer!