“Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10

My disciple leaned towards me, his face very serious, “You know that lesson on spiritual warfare? Let’s do that again next week. It’s too important to cover just once!”

It was a joy to hear such a statement from a fellow who had never really been interested in reading or studying the Word. The lessons of Ephesians 6:10-18 have been very useful for my disciples—and for me. Knowing who the enemy is, how God has equipped us and how to use these weapons has clarified a lot for all of us.

We have had plenty of opportunity to apply this knowledge because spiritual warfare is an everyday reality, especially  in the Middle East. “Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10

Fighting the true enemy with prayer and praise, with truth and trust, with whole-heartedness and obedience is the only way to true victory. This adventure of the last two years with expulsion, return, staying in the midst of uncertainty, applying for a visa knowing it could mean another, perhaps permanent expulsion--all of this has been confirmation of the importance of waiting on God in prayer and faith and not giving up. In the spiritual battle, he who persists in the power of God wins.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to take up and use your spiritual armor every day. Guide us in fighting the true enemy with your truth and praise. Help us to join you in what you desire to accomplish in our lives today. Amen.”