Spiritual warfare. Do you believe it exits? Are you preparing yourself each day for the battles that you will encounter? Even though we cannot see it visually, the spiritual realm is real. God Himself, His mighty angels, Satan, and his demons reside there. Satan’s primary objective is to destroy those of us who belong to Christ.
Ever since I rededicated my life to God, I want to help others and share the love of Christ. My “belief” in Jesus continues to increase, but the “confidence” in my writing wavers sometimes. I’m pretty sure the enemy has a lot to do with that. If the devil can convince me to not follow God’s leading, he wins a small battle in this spiritual warfare.
However, I’m pretty sure it is not just me that is affected by doubt at times. Am I right? Please don’t leave me hanging. I love the passage in Ephesians 6:10-19 where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “…put on the full armor of God so that we can stand strong against the schemes of the devil.”(Verse 11)
Doubt and discouragement are two of his most effective schemes. Going all the way back to the garden of Eden, he instigated doubt in Eve’s mind. He challenged what God had instructed her and Adam regarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Read Genesis chapter 3)
I cannot emphasize how much the devil desires to hurt you and me. Christians are especially targets for spiritual warfare. Satan knew his fate was sealed once Jesus Christ rose from the dead after His crucifixion. So, he implores his fellow fallen angels, or better yet his demons to continually attack the saints.
The Devil a Cheerleader?
For years, I lived in concert with Satan’s schemes because I was not wearing any God empowered protection for decades. I was a young pup when I asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me. At five years old, I had no concept of what spiritual warfare was. I did know that I didn’t want to go to hell! As I continued to live for my selfish desires, the devil cheered me on every step of the way
Fast forward four decades later. Two years after the stroke, I recommitted my life to Christ at the age of forty-six. I’d grown tired of doing things my way. I wanted to live for Jesus. I now have a purpose that is bigger than myself!
Having a God-inspired purpose is glorious, but I have learned the hard way that it only makes you a target for the devil. He will do everything in his power to keep your eyes off Christ. Whether that be physical pain, emotional distress that causes one to worry or maybe even succumb to anxiety. Spiritual warfare is extremely deceptive at times, too.
As the bible states in Genesis 3, Satan is crafty. There may be something that is generally good but with Satan at the controls, it can become a distraction or possibly even an idol! Social media, emails, and television are not necessarily bad. But when these things are prioritized over fellowship with God, we become vulnerable.
Large and Not in Charge
The same goes for food. I weighed in at nearly five hundred pounds when I had my stroke in July of 2010. Food had become like a God for me. I was living to eat instead of eating to live. I took my love of food and cooking to the extreme and it almost cost me my life.
That thought was not lost on my mother. After my prayer book on the power of prayer earned an award at the Christian Literary Awards in 2018, I returned to my seat next to her. Mom was sobbing quite hard into some tissues. While beaming from ear to ear, I leaned over and quietly asked her what was wrong.
She replied, “It was at this moment that I realized why God has allowed you to survive the stroke.” Wow, I leaned back and began to pray-thanking God for choosing me to be a witness for Him. It was an emotional and beautiful night.
Check Out this Video
Watch the video of my speech. Mom was a tad overwhelmed so, the camera moves a bit.
This why It is so important for you to prepare yourself every day for spiritual warfare. Yes, God can achieve his purpose in the life of anyone, but do you want to make it harder than it is going to be already in serving Him?
That is why I have committed myself to get healthy both physically and spiritually. I have lost over half my weight since my stroke. I thank God for pointing me in the direction of doing something that I could sustain. My hunger for His Word continues to grow. I still get so excited when He speaks to me from the bible, I cannot wait to share.
I have grown especially fond of the passage of the scriptures found in Ephesians chapter six. The Apostle Paul urges Christians to prepare for spiritual warfare by arming ourselves in the Armor of God. These verses are a poignant reminder that God has given us everything we need to be prepared for battle’
Armor of God
Here are the pieces of God’s Armor that we as Christians need to equip ourselves.
1-GIRDLE of TRUTH-Roman soldiers wore a loose tunic under their armor so they had to “gird” themselves or “gather up” any loose clothing that would be a hindrance to them in battle. So for myself, I am gathering up everything that will hinder me from being productive. I want to be honest not only with others and myself but with God throughout each day.
2-BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS-The breastplate was worn over the tunic as protection and covered every organ in the front of the body including the heart. As we put on righteousness, we are becoming more like Christ by being obedient to Him.
Our Faith leads to God’s Peace
3-GOSPEL of PEACE– Having our feet shod with the gospel of Peace. The soldiers had spikes or even nails in their shoes for grip in battle as they traveled over all types of terrain. When you put on the shoes of the Gospel of Peace, You know that you are standing on a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. You are at peace with God and nothing can shake you. This peace allows you to continue pressing forward no matter what the circumstance.
4-SHIELD of FAITH– The shield is an awesome piece of armor that protects the entire body! In the movie “300”, the Spartans give impressive examples of how shields are used effectively. No matter what came at them, they were protected while their shields were up! Satan is relentless in sending fiery darts of fear, doubt, and deception at us. Jesus says in John 8:44 …..”That the devil is a liar and the Father of lies.”
When our shield of faith up, we defend against those fiery darts and our confidence in Christ grows stronger!
5- HELMET of SALVATION– The head is the most important part of our body and always a target in any battle. Without a clear head, we are not getting far! As believers in Christ, Satan again is constantly attacking our minds trying to discourage us and test our salvation. In John 10:28 Jesus says,” No one can snatch them out of My hand.” We have the assurance that our salvation is forever. We have to guard our minds against the enemy’s attacks.
Offensive Weapon!
6-SWORD of the SPIRIT– Also known as the BIBLE! Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword. We must be in God’s word everyday reading, studying, and learning about ourselves and our leader, Jesus Christ! This keeps our focus on God as we battle our adversary the devil.
In addition to the armor, Paul says in verse 18 to “pray at all times in the Spirit, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” [clickToTweet tweet=”We must pray at ALL TIMES not just for ourselves but for all Believers.” quote=”We must pray at ALL TIMES not just for ourselves but for all Believers.”] They are having similar battles and attacks that we encounter and need our prayers. Once you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior; you must put on your armor daily. You need to spend time each day in God’s word and commit to prayer and do this consistently. Then you gain CONFIDENCE in the LORD to bring you through each day and in any situation
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Before I Go
Christians were never promised everything will be easy but the Lord says in Hebrews 13:5 “He will never leave or forsake you!” That is a promise from my Lord and Savior! So as the battle continues each day; you can have peace while asking God for wisdom, direction, and the courage to see things through. I pray this post and website are an encouragement to believers. You must remember that God will bring you through whatever you are facing when you seek Him. If you do not know Him as your Lord and Savior, He wants to save you. His desire is to be Lord of your life. The battle wages on for your soul, whose side will you choose?
Live Prepared Fellow Warrior!
In Christ,
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.
Doubt is such a difficult thing for me…Like you’ve shared here, I come back to Ephesians a lot, to re-read about the armor or God. Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
That is the best thing we can do Rebekah when have doubts. We need to stay in God’s word. He will give us the direction and protection we desire when we seek Him.
Hey Horace,
I came over on Faith Filled Friday, and I’m so glad to find your site. We are friends on Pinterest, but this is the first time I’ve “run” into you in a link party.
This is a great and very practical post today. I love these lines, “The head is the most important part of our body and always a target in any battle. Without a clear head, we are not getting far!”
Oh, I want God to give me a clear mind!
Hope you have a blessed day,
Melanie
Welcome Melaine..so glad you found the site! I am new to the “link-ups” but I really enjoy reading and making new friends. I too need to keep my helmet on at all times. I long for the peace that God offers when I seek Him. Thank you so much for you comment. May God bless you and yours!
It’s so easy to forget to put on our spiritual armor. The helmet and the shield are two pieces of armor that stand out to me. I like the way you mention the importance of a clear head. I believe our helmet also protects us from thoughts that discourage or detour us.
Yes that is so true Ginger. Thank you for your comment! I struggle with my thoughts daily. I am a creative/analytical…I know..sounds like a contradiction but it’s true. I stay in God’s word and I am trying to memorize a scripture passage each week to keep my mind filled with lots of Godly ammunition when those harmful thoughts try to sneak in! Have a blessed weekend!
Hey Horace, I’m glad to have stumbled upon your blog. It’s really cool and full of godly love!! Keep it up! Look forward to more of your articles 🙂
Hello Anne and welcome to the site. Thank you for your comment and the encouragement. I want to share God’s love in everything I write. Your are welcome here anytime. I hope you have a wonderful week! God bless
I have a saying I say often, to myself and others. “Too much “I” in your day, causes blurry vision.” In the flesh not one of us is free of this common stumbling block. It takes serious discipline and awareness to constantly catch every “I” you put in your way, and allow Him to direct your steps. Its a tremendous challenge to love in this flesh, but He tells us how to make it easier, the Ego must be destroyed. “His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; And the dogs are greedy, they are not satisfied And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one.”
Isaiah 56:10-11
Thanks for sharing the truths of God’s Word. Spiritual warfare is real. However, we can have victory when we dress in the armor of God.
Horace I have doubt quiet often, especially on days where my thoughts don’t come. I know God knows when I need to write, and when I need to sit at His feet so I take it as a message to sit and be still and wait.
Thanks for visiting and sharing Debbie. That is so true! It is Amazing what we hear from God when we take the time to be still and hear His voice. May God richly bless you and yours in all that you do!
Horace, I love this post. It is clear and powerful. I especially like how you described the shoes: “When we put on the shoes of the Gospel of Peace, We know that we are standing on a firm foundation in Jesus Christ. I am at peace with God and nothing can shake me.” God bless you in your life and ministry!
Thank you so much for the visit Debbie and for allowing me to link up. This has become one of my most favorite pots because it reminds me to put on Christ every day! I need Him with me and I cannot do it in my own strength. My prayer is to be and encouragement to the saints and help others to know Christ. I am praying for continued blessings for you and yours. God bless
I like that. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ every day!
Horace, I really appreciate this post and I’m thankful you linked it up with us at Grace & Truth! There is so much hope found in John 10:28, where you describe the battle with our enemy in our minds. It’s so encouraging! I’m going to feature this post for our next round of link-ups tomorrow. Be sure to go grab an “I’ve Been Featured” button for this post!
Wow! Thank You Holly. It has been such a pleasure linking up with everyone at Grace and Truth. The articles have been wonderful and I have enjoyed meeting other bloggers that are fighting to share the “Good News” of the Gospel! This post has special meaning to me. I read a little devotion in my quiet time on the Armor of God almost every morning because I know that without putting on Jesus every day, I am vulnerable to the attacks of Satan. Thank you again for welcoming me to Grace and Truth. I just started the Christian Blogging School with Arabah Joy this week and I am loving it! It feels good to know there can be a voice for Christian Bloggers out there! Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again.
Hi Horace, I thought this was so well written, and thought provoking. You’re right, life will not always be easy, but God has given us everything we need to deal with what comes our way. I deal with doubts by reminding myself who God is and what he has already done. Thanks for writing this!
Thank you Dawn for visiting and for the kind words. I am so thankful that God is with me every day as I “put Him on”. I have the confidence that I can accomplish His will for my life that day. I agree with you that reminding ourselves of what God has already done increases our faith! Thanks again for the visit. Have a wonderful weekend!
Horace, I love the insights into the armor of God, especially the “Gospel of Peace.” As the soldier stands firm, no matter the terrain, I stand firm because I have made Jesus my firm foundation. Thank you, Horace, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Thank you Crystal for visiting and your comment. I appreciate the opportunity to share my post on your link up. It is wonderful what you are doing there. Yes, the Gospel of peace just speaks to me in so may ways. If we want to share the Gospel,having a firm foundation in Christ is vital to or success. Thank you again for the visit. Many blessings to you!
Love your blog. Enjoyed today’s post. Your tenacity is inspiring and your story as well. Horace, if the Lord has called you to it, walk through it. When I have doubts when blogging, I remember Who has called me to it. I press in (to His strength) and move on. You can’t go wrong with the armor and remembering that’s it’s for the call of eternity that we’re here, pecking away on the keys. 🙂 Go get ’em, strong warrior. #GoGodGo
Thank you for the visit and the words of encouragement Kristi! I am learning to just stop and pray when those questions of doubt spring up. God always seems to provide me with exactly what I need at that moment. I will remember that eternity is the motivation every time I’m pecking away! Thank you again for the visit and for encouraging others in the faith! God bless
I love this passage! I love that we have the powerful Word of God as our offense! Great post! Visiting from #intentionalTuesday.
I know me too…I am so inspired every time I read it! Thank you for the visit and comment Kristen. I will be over to visit quest for abundant life very soon. Thanks again and have a blessed week
You’ve shared such wonderful reminders here Horace! This reminds me of a Sunday School song we used to sing and act out as we put on the armor of God. We need to do it every day… so important!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you for the visit and your comment Jennifer! I have so much confidence when I make a conscious effort to put the Armor on every day! Thank you for allowing me to share. You are doing wonderful things there at #SHIEbloghop! So glad to have met you.. God bless you and yours also.
Great reminders ~ Thank you so much for taking the time to share, and for the break down. May God help us all. Thank you Horace! God bless.
Thank you for the visit and the comment Bomi! I am glad that God put it in my heart to share this post. Spiritual warfare is real and taking place every day. It is so important that we prepare ourselves withe the armor of God. That we we know He is with us and the only defense against the schemes of the devil. Thank you again for the visit. I really like jollynotes.com. I hope you will visit again. May God bless you and yours!
I love how you went thru every piece of God’s armor and compared them to the actual armor of a Roman soldier and how each relates to us in our daily lives. God sure did equip us to do great things for Him. And really there is no excuse for us not to fight the good fight for Him. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such an encouraging comment!
Thank you for visiting and your comment Cynthia, I really did enjoy your post about the fruit of the Spirit. I believe with the fruit of the Spirit and the Armor of God, we can have victory in Christ! Have a great weekend!
I’m so with you on this, Horace: “My “belief” in Jesus has increased greatly but my “confidence” in doing a blog wavers at times.” My experience has been the same.
I love how you laid out God’s Armor here. So beautiful and encouraging. It’s wonderful to meet you. I look forward to hanging out more :).
Thanks for the visit Candace! You have encouraged my confidence today! God knew just what I needed:) I was so excited when I found photo of this particular armor because I am learning how important it is to put God’s armor on each day. I wanted something that looked strong and ready for battle! I know that God’s armor will help us when facing the doubt that Satan tries to use. I really enjoyed your post Candace and I plan to return to your site. I like what you write about. I pray you are encouraged. May God continue to bless you and yours. Have a wonderful week! God bless
Horace, Horace, Horace ~ what a good post! You single out the parts of the armor and delve into them “just enough” to give us insight but not to lose us. And, after reading this, I have to believe you know this well. Your walk with Jesus is close, eh? Good! I think this is a helpful post for my kids, especially my 6’2″, 270 lbs. football playing teen son. Thank you!
Wow…thank you Kristi! That means a lot coming from you:) I am learning to “put on” Jesus every day. I feel my walk with Him is closer than ever! I hope your son enjoys this too. I am a huge football fan! I need to update my football stuff on my variety page:) Many blessings to you and yours
Hi there Horace! I’m so glad to visit your blog. This is an excellent article about such an important truth: we need to suit up in God’s armor. So often I’m speeding through the day and halfway through I need a reset. Because I didn’t put on this armor. The good news is that when we come go God we can always put it on any time, even if we forgot when we started our day!
Amen Betsy! Welcome! Thank you for visiting and your insightful comment too. Yes it is such a blessing that God is always there waiting for us to put on our armor and His protection to carry us through. I am so thankful for a God like that! Thanks again for visiting. You are welcome any time! God bless
Yes! I hope I do! I think the helmet of salvation is the most important piece–becuase the devil like to attack our minds most of all (and constantly). I also like the thought of gathering all the loose ends together (girding myself) for each day.
I agree Anita. I struggle with loose ends and we need the helmet to protect our minds. Thanks for visiting and blessings to you and yours!
I don’t think there is a single writer, blogger, person who doesn’t struggle with doubt and insecurity at some time. And as soon as we give we to those seeds, the enemy loves to lay on his lies to multiply ours. I love that you point us to the armor of God – that shield of faith – to fend of those fiery darts. When I deal with doubt, I remind myself of how Christ sees me and the price He paid to have victory over the enemy. That victory is ours too! He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!!
Amen! I am thankful that I have the Armor of God available to me as a believer in Christ. When I put on that armor every day, I feel a strength that is provided by my Lord and Savior.
Hi Horace! I followed you back here from your comment on my site. Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself! Love your post! I’m so glad that you’ve followed your calling to write a blog, you have a lot to offer! I also really love the passages about the armor of God. You do a great job of explaining it and your heart really comes through.
Wow! Thank you for the visit and your kind words Judy. It is such a pleasure to meet another Christian blogger! I am always encouraged and inspired when I read about my Savior through the eyes of another…what an amazing God we serve. Thanks again for visiting and have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Horace, nice to finally meet you! We are CBB buddies and in the same Pinterest group, as you may know! Since I am pinning your stuff this week, I figured I’d better have a look!
You explained the armor of God and the purpose of each piece quite well. I especially liked the emphasis on the grip of the shoes and our security in Christ. Also the shield of faith and now I need to see that Spartan movie I guess! You’ve peaked my interest with that. “No matter what was fired at them, as long as their shields were up they were protected!” That drove a point home in my mind I’ve been pondering all day!
You are doing good things over here with your testimony, Horace. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the visit and the comment Ruthie! I am glad the post peaked your interest. I did enjoy the 300 series but as in most movies, now days there is usually a scene or two that you must turn away from. I was impacted though by the soldiers and how the use of their shields protected them. I am beyond thankful that God has blessed me with the opportunity to share my testimony and my faith via this blog. Thanks again for visiting and May God richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
Great summary of one of my favorite passages, Horace! For me, the helmet of salvation is important because my head can change my heart. Head knowledge comes first and must be protected before we can ‘feel’ it in our hearts.
Amen Anita! Our thoughts affect our actions so the Helmet of Salvation is key to living for Christ each day. Thank you for your visit and your comment. Continued blessings to you and yours!
Thanks for sharing your insights on this passage. That is one of my favorite Scriptures. So important and too often overlooked.
Thanks Elizabeth for your visit and comment. This passage has become so important as I read a reminder about it each day. It reminds me of the necessity of God’s armor to protect, strengthen, and prepare me for the battles that occur. I can do all things in His strength. Thanks again for the visit. May you and yours have a blessed weekend!
Hi Horace,
I try to pray that passage in Ephesians 6 every day. Thanks for highlighting it and for visiting my blog. Blessings 🙂
Thanks for visiting and your comment Dolly! I have this passage on a bookmark in my bible so I too effort to read it every day. As Christians it is a necessity to prepare for the spiritual warfare that exists. I am thankful that the armor of God is available to us but we must ask Him. Thanks again for the visit. Have a wonderful week and God bless!
Horace, this is a great reminder that we are in a spiritual battle all the time and must clothe ourselves as such. What really struck me is the reminder that I must pray for others as well. I just go off to work (and work for my son) never thinking that I ought to pray for my son as he navigates through his business, or my husband to stay true to his beliefs, or my daughter to not fall into the temptations of this world. Thank you for reminding me to do so.
Thanks for the visit and your comment Mary! I am working myself to make a habit of praying for others first before I get to my requests. It has really made my prayer life more effective and to see answered prayers in the ones you love is AMAZING! I thank God for the opportunity to come to Him with whatever is on my heart and hear what He wants me to do as I seek Him. Thanks again for the visit. Have a fantastic Friday and God bless.
I just love this, Horace! What a gift you have! I am grateful for your writing and teaching. I can definitely relate to your point of wavering in confidence with blogging. It is a new genre for me as well, and the weight of responsibility in carrying the Word to others can be heavy! I always want to make sure I am speaking words of truth, and so the armor I most heavily rely on is the Sword of the Spirit! I struggle often in confidence about my writing style, as it is not yet easy for me to be as creative as I feel I should be (my writing career has been technical and news writing). I also waver a bit when I don’t get comments, wondering if my message has hit home or not. That’s why I really appreciated YOUR visit to my site today! It is helpful to hear from other Christian authors that I’m on the right track. Thank you for your post today. It really helped me! 🙂
Thanks for the visit and the insightful comment Linda! Yes the Sword of the Spirit is key for me as well. I try to share what God is speaking to me as I read and study His word. I try to share how God reveals Himself to me through my experiences while trusting Him for the right words in each post. I’m looking forward to seeing how my Easter post turns out:) I hope you will continue writing as you trust God to bless you with the words. I believe that more comments,community,and a larger audience will come in God’s timing. Thanks again for the visit…be encouraged and God bless!
Horace, thank you for your comment on my blog today. I truly appreciate it. And, I am so glad that I came over here to your *neighborhood* for a visit. I love your blog, and what you have to say. I’m adding you to my reading list so I can continue to read your words.
This post couldn’t be more timely for me today. I struggle with anxiety all the time, and this morning the enemy has been particularly devious in his attacks on my thoughts. I have been greatly encouraged reading your words about the armor of God, especially that helmet of salvation. (It’s on, I think maybe it just got knocked a bit crooked!) I know that I belong to the Lord, and I need Him to protect my mind right now! Thank goodness, I can be reassured by the strong words of our risen Lord:
“But take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)
AMEN!
GOD BLESS!
Thank you Sharon for your visit and the kind words. I am pleased to hear you were blessed by the post. I believe my helmet gets a little “crooked” at times but at least I we are remembering to put in on:) od’s protection ia a huge comfort indeed. Thank you again for visiting; you are welcome anytime. Have a fabulous Easter weekend! Blessings
What a great reminder of the pieces of armor we have access to as believers, Horace. I pray for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in my life every day, but I think I may start doing the same thing with the armor of God. Blessings to you today!
Funny you should mention the fruit of the Spirit Lois. I just memorized that passage about a month ago because I felt like I needed to access those fruits quickly in certain situations. I even wrote a blog post about on Faith nFriends!(http://faithnfriends.com/are-fruits-of-the-spirit-bountiful-in-your-heart/) In my quiet time; I read a little bookmark in my bible every day about the Armor of God to remind me to prepare fr spiritual warfare. Thanks for the visit Lois and enjoy the rest of your weekend. God bless you as well!
Your story always inspires me, Horace. Thank you for being such a man of faith and of action. And you made your mama proud – that’s a great thing too. 🙂
Hello, Lisa. Thank you for the kind words. I love writing about my Savior and bringing Him glory. It’s great to hear from you, dear sister in Christ. Stay safe. Be well and God bless you and yours.
Thank you so very much, you have really help me, have a wonderful day God bless.
Excellent. So glad to read you have been helped, Karen. God’s Word is powerful, and a relationship with Him changes lives forever!
Hello Horace,
Could you tell me if the picture of the women with the armor is from you.
Because I got very inspired and would like to use this picture 🙂
God bless you
Yes. Use the picture for what, may I ask?