God wants us to be successful in recovery and in life so God gives us a clear description of what we are facing and what we need in order to do well. God describes life in recovery as a battle that we are involved in. We need to fight and resist so we can stand firm. Clearly, God knows we can’t do this in our own strength so He invites us first to be filled with Him and His mighty power. Then, we need to use all the help God makes available. One set of tools He offers us is described as God’s armor.
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT)
God is acquainted with the evil powers in the unseen world that we can’t see. God knows how active they are and exactly the right tool that will give us success in battle against them. After we’ve fought and won against some strategy of the evil one, just ahead, around the corner, the devil lurks with another devious plan to trip us up and discourage us. God will prepare us for each encounter, but we need to do our part. We need to put on God’s armor consistently and we need to prayerfully use the weapons He provides. Above all, we need to surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit because ultimately it is His power and authority, not ours, that sends the forces of darkness fleeing.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NIV)
We have power, God’s mighty power when we invite God to take control over every aspect of our lives. Have we done that? Everything else depends on it.
PRIORITY FOR SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY: Invite God to live in me and control my life.
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