FRIDAY September 3, 2021

Do all to Stand!

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.
Ephesians 6:13

These are Paul’s last, closing words of exhortation to the Ephesian Church. He continued to exhort them as soldiers in a spiritual warfare. He knew Christians must be able defend themselves against the enemy. They needed to do everything they could to stand in battle. What were they going to do in fighting off the enemy? They were to take up the whole armor of God.

One of the greatest mistakes any Christian can make is to assume they will never have any more problems because they are now “in Christ.” In witnessing, I have heard some Christians say, “If you come to Christ, you will never have problems.” This is not true. Since I have come to Jesus Christ, I have had many problems, temptations and trials, but the Lord always makes a way of escape. He also brings assurance and comfort. God has never let me down.

Jesus warned His Twelve Disciples of an hour coming. He referred to His suffering–– arrest, and crucifixion. His disciples would not stand with Him in the battle; they would scatter leaving Jesus to face the hostile crowd. Yet Jesus encouraged them: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Those are reassuring words! Think about what Jesus went through as 100% God and 100% man. The Cross must have been the worse time in His life. But this is where Satan was defeated. Satan hates Christians. His mission is to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus never promised an easy life. There is a cost in following Jesus (Matthew 16:24-26), a cost that must be counted. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus?

It costs something to be a true Christian. Let that never be forgotten ... We must fight an enemy who comes against us with thousands of followers. We must build a tower in troubled times. Our Lord Jesus Christ would have us thoroughly understand this. He bids us “count the cost.”
~J.C. Ryle~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!