Prayer changes things. It’s our battle cry when the war around us is raging. Paul ends his charge to suit up with Ephesians 6:18: “...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Prayer is a powerful weapon because it can reveal to us Satan’s attacks, our weaknesses, and where we need strength.
The sword holds the power to blind armies, destroy enemies, turn over tables, uproot evil, brand rebellion, and conquer the flesh. It’s the sword of the Spirit, which means it protects the good fruit we seek to bear––love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22)––at the same time destroying those who seek to devour it. The sword does all of that – which means God’s word does all of that.
Nothing in this world compares to what awaits us on the other side. And that is why the helmet of salvation is so important. It’s the piece of armor that will constantly remind us of what we have in Christ.
Faith is a daily choice. Just like love and trust and happiness. We have to choose everyday to have faith in God – in His timing, in His goodness, in His faithfulness, in His justice. When we made the choice to follow Him, we made the choice to choose faith, and that’s a decision we’ll live out for the rest of our lives.
The good news is the gospel. If we’re going to stand firm in this fight, if we’re going to take off what’s holding us captive and live in freedom, we have to lean into the mission Jesus gave us and Paul left us.
