Sacred Moments: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth

SATURDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2024

TEXT: Ephesians 6:12-18

12. Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places.

13. That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

14. So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living.

15. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.

16. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the evil One.

17. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit-that sword is the teaching of God.

18. Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.

(Easy-to-Read Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: THE WEAKNESS OF A STRONG ENEMY

The Russia-Ukraine war is a huge problem to the world. Understandably. Ukraine has received the sympathy of the world because it is being unjustly attacked by a superpower - Russia.

How can tiny Ukraine stand the aggression of a formidable enemy like Russia? In the same way, believers are having to contend with an enemy that is far beyond their strength.

This enemy comes in the forms of rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He is a strong and formidable force.

However, a fourfold battle strategy is given through which believers can defeat this strong enemy: put on God's armour; stand firm; take up the shield of faith and helmet of salvation; and pray. This is where the weakness of the strong enemy lies.

Unfortunately, just as God's people in Habakkuk wanted to appease the enemy, Babylon, through making alliances with him, so are many doing today. But victory is only assured through the fourfold battle strategy, not in any other way.

QUESTION: Are you ready to adopt the fourfold battle strategy?

PRAYER: Lord, You have given me the keys to victory over the enemy. Help me to effectively use them, in Jesus name. Amen.