The Struggle Is Real

This statement can be used in many contexts the one I am referring to is the fact that our struggle is real. We are fighting against an enemy whose only plan is to steal, kill and destroy. There is a real spiritual battle that is waging over us. 

The enemy uses simple methods with a powerful force. We know his tricks, he lies, convinces us into negative thinking and makes us feel powerless and weak. But knowing that and being in those thoughts are different. When we are in those thoughts we feel surrounded, we feel trapped and we may not even realize what is going on. At other times we feel strong and powerful and say not today devil, not today. 

God allows us to be in those weak times because he wants us to realize we desperately need him, we are not strong enough without him. When we feel like we have it all together, we don’t. If we need to cry out to God, that is when he grows our faith and our character. 

As much as we would like this process to be easy, that fact is that it will not be easy. We will suffer, struggle, and make mistakes. We need to remember that we are not defined by our mistakes. We are children of a mighty God who will never be defeated, nothing is impossible with God, and he can and one day will overpower satan completely. 

In the meantime we need to take up our spiritual armour that is found in Ephesians 6 and We need to pray in his holy name. Prayer is one very important tool in this life that we have ben given, second is the armor. 

The reason we have this picture of a warrior in armor is because this is a battle and every good warrior needs some protection against the enemy. We have a loving God who has given us what we need. The question is: Will we take up these weapons and fight?

Also there is an amazing book to read called The battleplan for prayer by the Kendrick brothers.

The Whole Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s  righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”