The Armor of God 

    "Put on the armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.  For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in heaven.”  (Eph 6: 10 – 12) 

   St. Paul warns us of the battle we must face every day, the corruption in the world, the evil Satan brings.  We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent, allowing apathy to rule our spiritual life.  We must be warriors, but of a kind the world does not recognize.

   What is the armor of God?  First and foremost I believe our greatest defense against evil is the love of God.  Satan can’t abide love, he is hatred personified, love is against everything he stands for.  God’s love can overcome anything, including the evil that seems to permeate the world.

   Courage in the face of the oppressor is part of God’s armor.  The courage to stand strong for our faith and the truths God teaches us.  We must have the audacity to identify the evil, to call it what is and do all in our power to thwart it.  We must walk the walk not just talk the talk.

   I look to prayer as the heavy artillery in God’s army.  It is through prayer that we can ultimately defend ourselves against Satan.  I once wrote that Satan cringes when we pray.  I believe that to be true.  When we invoke God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Satan will take flight.  It doesn’t take a lengthy prayer full of words, “God, come to my assistance” will do just fine.  If our heart is with God, it is protected by all the powers of heaven.

   Each day, as soon as we arise, we must put on the armor of God and prepare to do battle.  Thankfully, we have God Himself as our Commanding General and His holy angels to watch over us. 

The world is filled with evil.

We must battle it every day.

In You lies the power to win the battle.

Give us Your strength in this war. 

Amen