God's Loving Plan for Battling Sin: Day 2

I mentioned earlier that I felt a strong desire to quit my former sales job after I began growing closer to the Lord.  I don't know if that's common, but for me it came down to two main reason. Initially, I wanted to run from the temptations I felt at work, but God taught me that sometimes I need to fight against sin instead of running from my problems.  Then I began to desire full-time ministry work, but that required a fight as well.

I can still remember the resistance I faced as I began moving from sales into ministry; financial issues, relational issues, scheduling issues, etc.  Although these were valid concerns, it seemed as though my excitement was able to override them.  Unfortunately there was one problem that my excitement couldn't solve: my terror. 

My fear was usually strongest during the night as I laid alone in the dark.  I felt as though my mind was interrogating me as I thought about my upcoming mission trip. 

"Is your God big enough to save you, Josh?"

"Does your God love you, or is He merely using you to accomplish His mission?"

Other times my thoughts would blatantly lie to me:

"You are going to die on your trip Josh"

"God doesn't love you."

I couldn't find rest even upon falling asleep, because usually my dreams resulted in nightmares that woke me up.  I was sleeping only a few hours a night, and dreaded being alone.  It was scary, discouraging and tiring, but in the midst of it, God helped me realize that something sinister was happening.  I was being attacked, and there was only one way to fight back.

Read Paul's instructions for Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20 (NLT):

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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.

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. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Answer the following questions:

1. What does Paul reveal about the Christian battle?
2. What is the purpose of spiritual armor?
3. List each piece of armor and what it's used for.
4. Paul tells us to pray for all believers. Who do you pray for regularly?

Weekly Challenge:

Paul was a strong leader who endured suffering and persecution in order to share the good news that God loves people. Paul remained humble by remembering that his success was dependent upon God, and therefore, he needed prayer for strength. Take time to pray for your church leaders, and write an encouraging note to your pastors in order to thank them for boldly sharing the gospel with others.