Are You Armed and Ready?

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11


Once I admitted my issues with control, trust, retail therapy, and co-dependency, I found the love of God waiting for me. Since I had not previously walked the Christian walk, I had a lot to learn. I am an overachiever and a perfectionist by nature, so naturally I wanted to know as much as I could in a relatively short period of time.

I dove in head first into studying God’s Word. I prayed without ceasing. I thanked Jesus on a daily basis for saving me. I did everything right, right?

Well, yes and no. In the beginning, I wasn’t prepared for the devil’s schemes of attack against me. Satan was on high alert because he began to lose his grip on me. He would “say” things like:

  • Who do you think you are? God doesn’t want to have anything to do with you.
  • Do you really believe God can forgive you for your past?
  • God wants perfect people and you are far from perfect!
  • You are too far gone to be accepted by God again.

These darts of doubt penetrated my mind almost daily. I had made horrible choices in my past, so maybe I was too far gone. I know I am far from perfect, so maybe God really doesn’t want me. I’m really nobody special, so why would God want to have anything to do with me?

LIES! These are all lies. The ONLY way I could deflect the darts of doubt Satan threw at me was by donning the full armor of God. Satan cannot stand against what Ephesians 6:11 says:

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

If we read further into Ephesians, we learn what the full armor of God is (Ephesians 6:10-20):

  • Belt of Truth
  • Breastplate of Righteousness
  • Gospel of Peace
  • Shield of Faith
  • Helmet of Salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God provided me with the exact tools I need to deflect the devils schemes against me. Satan only wants to remind me of my inadequacies, but God wants to remind me of my worth and value.

Think About It:

  • How has Satan attempted to lie to you?
  • What is your interpretation of the Armor of God?
  • Read Romans 6:10-20
  • Have you put on your Armor of God to thwart the plans of the devil? How do you do it daily?

Journal About it:

Journal about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for His loving instruction.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,
Thank you, Jesus for showing me the armor to wear when Satan attacks me. I praise you for the power held in your Word. I ask that you continue to protect me and guide me along my journey to healing.
In Jesus’ Precious Name,
Amen

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!