Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(Ephesians 6:12 (NIV))

Have you ever stopped to think about the hatred that believers are faced with?

If you profess a faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, there is a good chance that you have faced something in your life that was less than favorable. Depending on where in this sinful world you live, that reaction to your faith could mean anything from persecution to death. Even in certain parts of this country, professing a faith in Jesus brings ridicule and sometimes much worse.

Over the last several years, media coverage and the overall attitude towards believers has been bad. We are often called uneducated and bigoted. We are called every foul name that people can think of.

Have you ever stopped to ask why this happens, especially when the world doesn’t attack Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Bahai or anything else. Only the religions that are directly tied to the God of Jacob face persecution.

The reason for this is that the enemy doesn’t need to stop a lie! Satan is only focused on stopping the truth.

If you profess a faith in Jesus, you are involved in a struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

That is why we are told to put on the full armor of God!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV))

We aren't just in a battle. We are at war.

We must be prepared!

We must understand exactly what is happening and why it is happening.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
(1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV))

Are you taking a stand for Jesus?

Copyright 1998 - 2026 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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