Pastor John D Jakes

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:12-13 

Our world is just so real.  There are real rocks, real trees, and real people.  Everyday, we get ourselves ready to deal with those real things.  We follow road signs.  We listen to people.  We use training and skills for work.  We feel ready. (for the most part!)

Unfortunately, all those real things distract us from seeing the other real influences in our lives.  According to our Scripture this week, there are forces in this world that are very real, but we just can’t see them with our physical eyes.  They affect us.  They influence the world we live in and try to mold our perspectives.  They try to point us in a certain direction.  How do we stand?  How do we stick with what we know is right and good?

God has told us – we need to prepare!  It isn’t about what we can see.  It is about who we are.  It isn’t about reacting.  It is about being someone.  It is about being someone who realizes there is a spiritual struggle above and around our physical one.  We don’t really wrestle with people.  They are fellow strugglers.  The true wrestling happens with the spiritual forces that are at work in the people.  Their doubts.  Their anger.  Their self-interest. All of that comes from the spiritual forces at work against God.

How do we overcome those forces acting on us?  It isn’t mere will.  It is preparation.  It is intentionally putting on the full armor of God.  It is this armor that will let us stand.  It is this armor that protects our hearts, minds, wills, and life.

Each of us faces evil days.  Those days are days of temptation.  Those days are days of personal attack or failure.  Those are the days we just want to quit.  Preparing with the full armor of God is what will make the difference.  Will we prepare?

Something to think about,

Pastor John