Faith Moves Mountains with Pauline Matanda
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour 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.” — Ephesians 6:10-12
Be strong in the Lord; our true strength comes not from our own abilities but from a divine source.
In these scriptures, Paul emphasises the importance of relying on God’s mighty power rather than our own, knowing that our struggles are not merely physical but are deeply rooted in the spiritual realm.
“We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies.”
The true adversaries we face are spiritual forces, so let us shift our focus from the visible symptoms of our problems to the underlying spiritual issues that may be at play.
To effectively engage in this spiritual battle, Paul instructs us to “put on all of God’s armour”.
This armour is essential for standing firm against the strategies of the devil. Each piece of the armour — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God — equips us to confront and overcome the spiritual challenges we encounter. The truth acts as a belt, keeping us grounded in reality.
Righteousness serves as a breastplate, protecting our hearts.
The gospel of peace prepares our feet, allowing us to move confidently.
Faith is our shield, extinguishing the fiery darts of doubt and fear.
Salvation is our helmet, guarding our minds against despair.
The Word of God is our sword, a powerful tool for both offence and defence.
Life is spiritual; we need to focus on spiritual roots. When we encounter difficulties, it is easy to become fixated on the symptoms — whether they be relational conflicts, financial struggles or health issues.
However, the call to focus on spiritual roots encourages us to seek understanding and resolution at a deeper level.
By engaging in prayer and meditation, and seeking God’s guidance, we can uncover the spiritual dynamics influencing our circumstances.
Prayer is a vital component of this spiritual warfare. It connects us to God’s power and allows us to align our will with His.
Through prayer, we can intercede not only for ourselves but also for others, recognising that we are part of a larger spiritual community. This communal aspect of prayer reinforces our strength and resilience in facing challenges.
Be strong in the Lord, embrace a life of reliance on His power and engage actively in the spiritual battles we face.
By putting on the armour of God and focusing on the spiritual roots of our problems, we can navigate life with confidence and victory.
Remember, life is spiritual.
Our victories in the spirit will manifest in the physical realm.
Let this year be a time of deepening your reliance on God and fighting your battles with His strength.