By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11

Sometimes we see visible wars, but many times we don’t see the wars of mental illness, heartbreak, family struggles, tensions at work, or the pain of loss. There is very real daily turmoil. The day we made a commitment to live for God, a very real war began in your life. It’s been said that conversion makes our minds and hearts a battlefield.

Paul the apostle would use pictures of battle to describe the Christians life. To “endure hardship as a good soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3). When it comes to the Christian life, we are constantly involved in the spiritual battle. It is up to us to fight the good fight of faith. So, we need to suit up, as Paul says, and glean from the principles from God’s Word that teach us how to be “more than conquerors in Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:35-37). Paul shares with the Ephesian church about the inevitable spiritual battle and says to put on the full armor of God.

The phrase “put on” is important to understand, because it carries the idea of doing something once and for all. It speaks of something permanent. The full armor of God is not something we put on and then take off again. We are to keep it on all the time. It’s encouraging to know that Jesus and Satan are not equal. As a result, many have been set free through the coming of that “stronger one,” Jesus Himself, who came “to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8b). Satan has limitations, but Jesus does not. Satan is powerful, but he is not equal to God. God is all powerful, everywhere at once, and all knowing. Satan’s primary attack is on our minds, and he uses our imagination. He knows if he can get to our minds, eventually he can get to our hearts. The place of reason and imagination can take us a step away from decision. It’s where turmoil takes place. Paul knew this. He experienced it (Romans 7:15). Paul says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2-3).

We live in a fallen place, but we can choose to rise above by focusing on Gods truths. We can have bad days, but no doubt about it, you will win the war. We have the tools and the backing for victory. Remember “God is for you” (Psalm 118:6).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am at Eastvale Elementary. Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. Download their app to be up to date on all events. Livestream, YouTube live, and Facebook live is available.