I have recently been reminded of the importance of being in the Word above all other things that distract such as career, hobbies, friends, entertainment and even family.
It is easy in the busyness of life to get caught up in the little distractions we face on a daily basis and slowly lose sight of the bigger picture. The bigger picture is that we are simply visitors here on earth—our lives are not our own. I forget this simple truth quite often.
I also forget that we are in the midst of a battle, a spiritual warfare; and the forces of darkness will not let up or back down in the fight for our souls. If this sounds extreme, don’t take my word for it; get into God’s Word where everything we need to know about life and death can be found. It is written, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)
Paul, the author of the book of Ephesians doesn’t merely tell us this as informational but rather as a warning; and he goes on to tell us what we can do to ensure we are not taken out in the battle, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 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. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:13-18)
Paul implores us to remain alert. Alert by definition is “quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.”
It is written again in I Peter 5:8, “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
As we stay vigilant in the Word of God, the Spirit of Truth will lead us, guide us and give us discernment and wisdom as we commit to remain alert. Not only are we to be aware of those within the world who might seek to destroy, but also those within the church who profess to be believers. It is written, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15 & 16)
Perhaps this is why we are told to always keep on praying for all the saints. None of us are strong enough or amazing enough on our own to withstand spiritual warfare or to stop every flaming arrow of the evil one. We need one another.
We the church need to put down our phones and pick up our Bibles. Lift up our eyes, drop to our knees, lay down our pride and pray as if God is everything because in essence—He is just that!
Stay the Course…
Sheila
