Read: Ephesians 6:10-23
Put on the whole armor of God. (v. 11)
Of all my experiences with Words of Hope global teams, nothing compares to the first time I saw a person oppressed by demons in Uganda. Assuming I would know what to do, a leader asked me to help. I froze like a soldier in battle never trained to use his weapon. I had exactly zero seminary courses on how to cast out a demon!
Paul does not mince words. We are at war with cosmic, dark, and spiritual forces of evil. Sometimes that war is with an evil we can see. But the devil’s schemes are often more subtle: the lure of material wealth, the opportunity for political power, or all manner of secret lusts. Evil is unrelenting. We better be dressed for battle from head to toe and ready “in all circumstances” (v. 16). This can feel weighty, but notice that none of the “armor” is literal weaponry. Each piece is something we already have. We simply “put on” what God has given us in Christ. This was the lesson I learned from the Ugandans.
What did I need to confront that demon? Not physical strength or supernatural charismatic utterances. The Spirit’s sword is God’s Word. My brother in Christ calmly spoke the truth of God’s Word into the person’s life in the name of Jesus. After some time and persistence, the convulsive evil departed and peace fell on the person. God’s Word overcomes the evil we can see and the evil schemes we cannot. The war is real. Walk in God’s armor today. —Jon Opgenorth
As you pray, ask God to prepare you for today.
About the Author
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
