It used to scare me at first whenever a SECURITY ALERT
came through on my email when we lived in Lagos, Nigeria. These alerts were sent out
from either my husband’s company or the U.S. Consulate warning us of possible
danger. But, the more alerts I received, the less scared I became. I got used
to them as just part of life and didn’t put much weight into them.
Some of these security alerts consisted of the
following warnings.
- An increasing trend is hijackers trailing unsuspecting victims. Some are robbed and some are unfortunately held for ransom;
- Criminals side brush unsuspecting vehicles or hit them from behind to force drivers to stop, after which they are robbed or kidnapped;
- Be extremely vigilant and develop situational awareness that may enable you to avoid victimization;
- Avoid night time travelling;
- Keep a low profile and dress unassumingly;
- Be alert at all times – don’t ignore any suspicious circumstances.
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| Man Peering into Car Window Lagos, Nigeria Image by Patti Greene |
The last alert is the most general alert and probably
the most important alert as it involves how we were to live every day of our
lives in the country we were living in at the time.
As I pondered these alerts, I thought about how similar
these alerts are to a Biblical alert we read about in the Scriptures.
Paul, the author of
Ephesians, urges us to put on the full spiritual armor of God. Paul wants us to
understand that we can fight the fiery darts of Satan who is very active in trying
to trip us up and lead us away from our trust and dependence on God.
We may not live in a country
with evils such as ISIS, suicide bombers, extremists, and beheadings. However,
we are all surrounded by the wiles of the devil. Satan might be attacking us in
the form our idols, our fleshly desires, a false gospel, physical afflictions,
selfishness, friendships with the world, addictions, media, or worldly wisdom –
just to name a few. We need to recognize the methods Satan uses to attack us and stand
firm against his schemes. No one has given us a more wise strategy for living
that God.
In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul says:
“Finally, be strong in
the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of
truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for
your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all
circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all
the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the
Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all
perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that
words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of
the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it
boldly, as I ought to speak.” ESV
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| Image from PublicDomainPictures.net |
While not exclusive, let’s look at one fact, one action, and
one verse or phrase from God’s Word that will help us to stand firm in Christ.
Truth
Fact:
God’s truth will keep us secure in Christ.
Action:
Confess all known sins and get rid of all deceptions and commit yourself daily
to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible:
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,”
Breastplate of Righteousness
Fact:
Satan is trying to attack us with lies or reminders of our past sins.
Action:
We must guard our hearts against Satan and live for the righteousness of Christ
by being obedient to God’s ways and will.
Bible:
“and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Feet
Fact:
Satan will put obstacles in our paths. He wants us to stumble.
Action:
Prepare yourself through Bible study, prayer, meditation, confession and more, so
you can step confidently walk in Jesus’ ways wherever we go and wherever He may
lead us.
Bible:
“and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel
of peace.”
Shield of Faith
Fact:
Satan will try to put doubts in our mind. Hold on to your faith.
Action:
Trust that your faith will defend all the unholy darts that may be projected
upon you.
Bible:
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”
Helmet of Salvation
Fact:
Our thinking needs to be protected, because Satan loves to make us doubt our
salvation and God.
Action:
We must be sure that Jesus is our security through salvation in Christ. [If you
are unsure about your relationship with Christ, understand that we are all born
with a sinful nature, but when we repent of our sins and ask Jesus to be part
of our life, we can have the assurance of salvation and eternal life.]
Bible:
“and take the helmet of salvation,”
Sword of the Spirit
Fact:
The Word of God is our weapon against the attacks of Satan.
Action:
Read and study the Bible. It is God’s tool to prevent Satan’s strongholds and
thoughts from infiltrating into our lives.
Bible:
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”
Pray in the Spirit
Fact:
If we are not in prayer, our reliance in God is diminished allowing spiritual
warfare a much easier access to our lives.
Action:
Pray for the mind of Christ. Set aside time every day to pray and listen to God’s
Word to you.
Bible:
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
Just as our Nigerian security alerts warned us how to
proceed even before any unknown danger might occur, so does the Bible warn us
how to be pre-prepared against the schemes of the devil, because we never know
when he might attack. It is so easy to become ensnared in the devil’s traps,
and the best way to be on guard is to put on THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD – even
before the temptations and evils come upon us. This can be accomplished by following
Ephesians 6:18-20 with a sincere and longing heart to please our Lord and
Savior.
And as Paul concludes, he says, “And pray in the Spirit on all
occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be
alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also
for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will
fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray
that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV
Bible Verses:
Submit yourselves
therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
ESV
Do not love the world or
the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the
desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the
world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but
whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 ESV
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, let me trust
wholeheartedly that you have the power to fight off the fiery darts of Satan.
Allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ be saturated in my mind and being. Teach me
how to put on the whole armor of God daily. Refresh me with your word and
through my prayers. Let me adore, honor, and love you all the days of my life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God Bless and please share this message as an encouragement to others,
Patti Greene
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