Count Your Blessings: Warfare
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Today's Scripture
"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." Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Thoughts for Today
All of us deal with strongholds at times in our lives. The stronghold might be depression or a substance addiction or a behavioral problem or an unhealthy relationship or any other life-controlling problem. The world tries to deal with these strongholds on their own, but as followers of Christ we have access to God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds. "We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT
Today's scripture describes some of the weapons and armor God has provided. We need to stop trying to solve and overcome problems on our own. Throughout life we experience situations in which we are "up against far more than we can handle on our own." If we are to overcome, we need to take all the help God has provided.
Consider this ...
Are you struggling with depression or some other life-controlling problem? Prayerfully meditate on today's scripture. You might even want to read it in several translations. Ask God to show you how to apply his weapons and armor to your circumstances.
Prayer
Father, you know my heart and the struggle I am experiencing. I thank you that you have provided the tools of warfare that I need in order to overcome. Teach me how to apply these tools to my life. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from ... Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
- Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
- Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
- Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
- How to pray for healing and what to expect
- Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
