Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  

What were your first thoughts and feelings when you got out of bed this morning? Were you ready to take on the world or were you thinking, “Just give me coffee and maybe I will just find a closet or something to sit in while the rest of the world goes on because I’m just not feeling it today”?  Unfortunately, I believe we all have both of those at times.  How do you handle it?  When you feel like hiding what can you do?  I know when all Hell comes against you there are days that just “putting that armor” on seems daunting let alone actually “standing”, but you can do it!  “Don’t,” as my sister tells me, “lay prostrate before the enemy,” STAND! If you don’t have the strength God is willing to give you that strength, so get up!  Get moving, and do not give satan a toe hold in your life.  It’s not over yet!

When you get up and you are wound up and ready to take on the world and you are armed and ready for that battle that inevitably is headed your way, what do you do?  You know satan just wants to get his digs in each and every opportunity he gets, but today you are standing strong and you are fully trusting God to have your back and give you strength, and you have fully put your faith in God because you know that is where your victory is.  Stand, take a look around, who can you help raise up?  Is there someone you have access to today who could maybe even just use an encouraging word?  That is part of your standing, helping to equip, encourage, and lift up those who need it in order to stand as well.  Share your faith.  Share stories of how you have seen God work.  Share the hope that is only found in Him!  Pray for those you know who need the support in prayer.  We all need prayer!  Take the time to pray, don’t allow a busy schedule to keep you from that much-needed time with Him.  You need it and others are depending on you to pray for them.  Don’t be one of those people who just say they will pray, get intentional about praying for them.  

Whatever you feel like today I would like to encourage you to not go in your own strength, don’t hide in the closet, and don’t ignore the needs of others.  Get alone with God and ask Him to help you armor up.  You cannot ignore the battle or it will run you over.  Once you are covered in your armor, stand and watch as God fights for you.  He loves you and He has a plan, it won’t be found in hiding, it won’t be found in being self-absorbed, it will only be found in Him!  Seek Him with everything you’ve got!