"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of the darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Ephesians 6:12
Today is one of those days when I'm very aware of the dark unseen world around me; what the Apostle Paul calls "the world forces of the darkness". For those who don't know Christ and what it's like to live as one of His true followers, these words may sound very strange. But the Bible makes it very clear that there is a spiritual battle raging around all of us. And although we cannot see it, that doesn't make it any less real. It is for times like these that we must put on God's full armor, as described in Ephesians 6:13-18. I like the way The Message puts it: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." We are in a spiritual battle. Let's be sure we're spiritually fit for it.
