Ephesians 6 is where we read about the individual pieces that make up the armor of God. The reason that we NEED this supernatural "armor" is found in verses 11-12:
11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
This is a vital Truth to remember whenever you encounter opposition or persecution from other people! Your adversary, the devil, through all of his workers of darkness, is the force behind every evil work. People choose whether or not to be used by the devil, but our battle is with the works and workers of darkness. WE, as born again believers and Blood-Covenant partners with Almighty God through the precious and powerful Blood of Jesus of Nazareth, have been given ALL authority over all the works of darkness as it affects our lives and the lives of our family. We need this armor in order to stand protected while in battle. Verse 18 gives us the method of defeating the darkness!
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
PRAY! Pray in the Spirit first of all! THEN, under the direction of this same Holy Spirit, pray with any other manner of prayer that is needed! Remember 1 John 5:14-15:
14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
So begin in the Spirit, then continue with your understanding as the Holy Spirit gives you the understanding and the utterance. Now go back to the Spirit unless HE leads you other wise! Amen! Here is Hillsong with "Light Will Shine":
Shalom in Him!
