EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong (G1743 endunamoo - to empower, enable, increase in strength, make strong. To endue with strength, to receive strength, be bold) in the Lord and in the strength (G2904 kratos - force, strength, power, mighty with great power, dominion.) of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand (G2476 histemi - to make firm, to place, be kept intact, to establish a thing, to set or place in a balance.) against the schemes of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 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 (G2476 histemi - to make firm, to place, be kept intact, to establish a thing, to set or place in a balance.) firm.
Eph 6:14 Stand (G2476 histemi - to make firm, to place, be kept intact, to establish a thing, to set or place in a balance.) therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Eph 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
We have all had storms, spiritual battles that we have either survived, trying to survive, or are hoping doesn't happen. Personal note here; I remember for the longest time I would not read the book of Job just because I didn't want to open up anything that could get me. I came to realize that GOD'S Word is so powerful and that I should not let the enemy try scare tactics on me.
Paul in this Scripture is using the armor the Roman soldiers wore as a base. Paul also was keenly aware that Rome had made war a specialty, and for the longest time, they were extremely good at it.
It is my firm belief that we should put on this armor daily. Not just flippantly, but with a humble soul, in the presence of the LORD. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, three key phrases there, humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways and pray, then....
This is the same thing. We cannot just throw on the armor of GOD. No, we must be in HIS presence, with Praise and Worship, giving ourselves to HIM and trusting in HIM. As any good Military person will tell you, trust in the authority over you is a must. The same thing exists with the army of GOD. We have to come to a place of complete trust in our GOD.
Verse 10 - Know where your strength comes from! It does not come from money, the president, your boss at work, your Pastor of your church, your spouse, your best friend. It comes from the LORD or in the Hebrew, YAHWEH.
Verse 12 - Know your enemy. It is important to know who you enemy really is. Be able to identify who is at work and trying to attack you.
Verse 14 - Stand. Stand your ground, the Word of GOD! The weapon JESUS used against the enemy still works today! The Word of GOD residing in your heart is the greatest weapon we can have! Do not let the devil convince you that you cannot stand! You can do all things through CHRIST! Be in the Word of GOD every day!
Verse 18 - This is the real jewel. Pray at all times!! Pray, and not just for youreslf, but for all those other brother and sisters that are needing prayer. Be usable in the LORD obedient to HIS calling.