SATURDAY August 3, 2024

Stand in the Evil Day

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.
Ephesians 6:13

Listen to Paul’s closing words of exhortation to the Ephesian Church. He continued to exhort them as soldiers in a spiritual warfare. He knew they must be able to defend themselves against the onslaughts of the enemy. They needed to stand battle-ready. How was this to be accomplished? They were to take up the whole armor of God!

Again, one of the mistakes a new believer can make is to assume they will never have any more problems because they are now “in Christ.” I have heard Christians witness to people and say, “If you come to Christ, you will never have problems.” This is not true. Jesus never promised us an easy life, but He did promise to be with us (Hebrews 13:5).

Since I have come to Jesus Christ, I have had many problems, temptations and trials, but the Lord always made a way of escape. He brings assurance and comfort. He is so faithful:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

When Jesus warned His Twelve Disciples that His hour was coming–– His suffering, arrest, and crucifixion––He asked His Disciples to watch and pray: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). They failed to keep watch and pray. In fear of the hostile mob coming to arrest Jesus, they did not stand; they scattered, leaving their Master to face the enemy alone.

Later, encouraged and commissioned by the Resurrected Lord, the Disciples gathered in an upper room, and there they did pray. As a result, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 2:1-2).

We are living in the Last Days––evil days. More than ever we need to watch and pray, taking the full armor of God to withstand the enemy!

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
~1 Corinthians 16:13~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!