Put on God’s Armor

Dear Friends,

We are anxious, as I know you are, to get back to our monthly live and in-person events at the Upper Room. It is anybody’s guess when things will return to “normal”- whatever that means these days.

I was recently reminded as the Lord very clearly spoke to my heart, that the next few months, in particular, are going to be a very trying spiritual time in our country. The battle for the very heart and soul of this country has been raging for quite some time, and it is going to heat up like no other time we’ve witnessed.

As believers we can choose to wring our hands in fear and disbelief, or we can spiritually prepare ourselves as the Word of God commands. The apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and exhorted them to:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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.” ~Ephesian 6:10-18

Our job is to suit up and show up, but we know that it is God who delivers the ultimate victory just as he commanded Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: “thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” ~2 Chronicles 20:15

So friends, even though you may be suffering from a general malaise and a fear of the uncertainty ahead, take comfort and joy in knowing God’s promise to us through Joshua is true: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

My prayer is that you will know His peace, His comfort and that he is true on His promises as you suit up.

Mercy and Grace to you,
Ron Strand, Founder
THE UPPER ROOM PRESENTS