Our Enmey, the DEvil - Pt 12

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV). There is one last instruction the apostle leaves us with: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. After listing six traditional pieces of Roman armor, the apostle Paul urged his readers to pray. This instruction is the key to it all. There is no doubt that God's armor is comprehensive. In this series we have spent time examining it, from the ideas behind it, to its purpose and application. It is an absolutely essential part of surviving and winning our battle against Satan. However, without prayer, it is all for nothing. Barnes' Notes comments, "No matter how complete the armor; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph". If we equip ourselves with God's armor, we must also be determined to keep a steady stream of connection with Him. He is the commander of His spiritual army, and He alone knows how to lead it to victory. This is the effect of consistent prayer. In one region of Africa, the first converts to Christianity were very diligent about praying. In fact, the believers each had their own special place outside the village where they went to pray in solitude. The villagers reached these “prayer rooms” by using their own private footpaths through the brush. When grass began to grow over one of these trails, it was evident that the person to whom it belonged was not praying very much. Because these new Christians were concerned for each other’s spiritual welfare, a unique custom sprang up. When ever anyone noticed an overgrown “Prayer path,” he or she would go to the person and lovingly warn, “Friend, there’s grass on your path!” Perhaps as we close this series, I simply need to ask, “How’s your path?” I know you are in the battle. Life is harder than I have ever seen for more people than ever before in my lifetime. If you are one of those folks, get your armor on and pray! Slay that old dragon, the Devil!