Are You Standing in Victory?
By Ryan Dawson
As a people we are blessed to live in Canada, because this country has one of the highest standards of living in the world. But with all the affluence, peace, and creature comforts that Canada affords, sometimes it is easy to forget that we are a people at war. The Bible is very clear that as followers of Jesus, we are in a spiritual battle. It is true that Jesus Christ defeated the hordes of Hell at the cross, but our enemy will not experience final judgment until Christ returns to set all things right, so until that time we fight a war where the outcome is certain – Jesus wins!
But in this battle, we are so often bombarded with deception and discouragement from the enemy. We are tempted to believe things that are not true about God and not true about ourselves in Christ. We are tempted to focus more on our challenging circumstances than our prevailing King, which leads us to discouragement and despair. But we can rise above deception and discouragement because we serve a Risen King and “the One who is in [us] is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). But like a knight going into battle, we need to intentionally don the armour God has given us, so that we can stand against the schemes of the enemy.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10-18:
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
We are all dealing with challenges in these days, and it is important to remember that we are in a spiritual battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of all people. We don’t need to fear this fight for we have the victory in Christ. Remember - we don’t fight FOR victory, we fight FROM victory – the victory Jesus already won at the cross and through His resurrection. We simply need to stand in the authority of Jesus Christ, using the spiritual weapons He has given us to defeat the enemy. A friend of mine gave this prayer to me and I thought it was helpful. So, prepare for battle by praying your armour on, and remember that you have been given the victory in Jesus Christ!
Fighting with you, Ryan
Heavenly Father,
Your Warrior prepares for battle. Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armour of God! I put on the Girdle of Truth! May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word So I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies. I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness! May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ. I put on the Shoes of Peace! May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter. I take the Shield of Faith! May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat. I put on the Helmet of Salvation! May I keep my mind focused on you Lord, so Satan will not have a stronghold on my Thoughts. I take the Sword of the Spirit! May the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of Satan. By faith your warrior has put on the whole armour of God! I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory! In Christ Name, Amen.
As a people we are blessed to live in Canada, because this country has one of the highest standards of living in the world. But with all the affluence, peace, and creature comforts that Canada affords, sometimes it is easy to forget that we are a people at war. The Bible is very clear that as followers of Jesus, we are in a spiritual battle. It is true that Jesus Christ defeated the hordes of Hell at the cross, but our enemy will not experience final judgment until Christ returns to set all things right, so until that time we fight a war where the outcome is certain – Jesus wins!
But in this battle, we are so often bombarded with deception and discouragement from the enemy. We are tempted to believe things that are not true about God and not true about ourselves in Christ. We are tempted to focus more on our challenging circumstances than our prevailing King, which leads us to discouragement and despair. But we can rise above deception and discouragement because we serve a Risen King and “the One who is in [us] is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). But like a knight going into battle, we need to intentionally don the armour God has given us, so that we can stand against the schemes of the enemy.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10-18:
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
We are all dealing with challenges in these days, and it is important to remember that we are in a spiritual battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of all people. We don’t need to fear this fight for we have the victory in Christ. Remember - we don’t fight FOR victory, we fight FROM victory – the victory Jesus already won at the cross and through His resurrection. We simply need to stand in the authority of Jesus Christ, using the spiritual weapons He has given us to defeat the enemy. A friend of mine gave this prayer to me and I thought it was helpful. So, prepare for battle by praying your armour on, and remember that you have been given the victory in Jesus Christ!
Fighting with you, Ryan
Heavenly Father,
Your Warrior prepares for battle. Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armour of God! I put on the Girdle of Truth! May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word So I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies. I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness! May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ. I put on the Shoes of Peace! May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter. I take the Shield of Faith! May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat. I put on the Helmet of Salvation! May I keep my mind focused on you Lord, so Satan will not have a stronghold on my Thoughts. I take the Sword of the Spirit! May the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of Satan. By faith your warrior has put on the whole armour of God! I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory! In Christ Name, Amen.