Ephesians Blog 2

For about the past three times that I have read Ephesians, I always take a really close look at the Armor of God. This is Ephesians six beginning in verse ten and ending in verse 18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against the enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against he authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.”

I know people who, at least for a while, physically would put on the armor on a daily basis. They would name the item as they put it on. “This is my belt of truth…my helmet of salvation…” and so on.

Another thing that I have learned is the importance of each item as armor. The helmet protects the head…and so on.

Through this reading I was very clearly aware of the fact that we cannot see everything that is going on around us. This semester I have learned just how much God wants to heal things that have gone wrong in my life. The enemy knows this and has done a lot to counter what God is doing. I went to Church of the Epiphany, a church that I found very wonderful from the service to the décor to the people. Finding the people wonderful was new to me. By the end of that week, I had trouble with just about everyone around me who called themselves ‘Christian’ for different reasons. Then a few weeks ago a group of Christians prayed over me. They meet every Monday and Wednesday night and I happened to attend. I saw how beautiful they were for listening to God and calling out to Him. Then they turned and prayed for me. I did not ask them to. The next week was the most difficult one I have had here at CCU. I went to another prayer meeting a couple of days ago. There were moments that I wanted to leave. I attempted at one point, but a friend blocked my path. By the end of that night people prayed over me and I think I finally let go. God was able to move and change things inside of me that were wrong.

I think my job now is to remember that the armor is for defense except the sword of the Spirit, and remember to remember that there is an unseen war going on.