You cannot “stand” if you cannot “withstand” and both depend on something the scriptures call the “armor of God”. This armor is mentioned with detail in Ephesians 6:14-17. Take a moment now to read those verses and record each piece of the six pieces of armor. There are five defensive pieces to the whole armor of God, and one offensive piece. The ability to stand is defensive and the ability to withstand is offensive, both are vital. With the whole armor of God arrayed in your life, you become a mighty force against the powers of darkness that are constantly at work in the earth. You become God’s agent of change and transformation.
Now, I want you to notice the offensive nature of the one weapon we’ve been given, so that you can begin to move into attack mode. This will cause you to do more than just stand, but you’ll begin to advance victoriously in the spiritual battle you’re a part of.
Ephesians 6:17-18
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
The sword of the Spirit is our single peace of weaponry, and it is sufficient in itself when used properly. We know that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit, and we’re told elsewhere in scripture(20) that it is sharper than any two-edged sword, providing one side for use outwardly against darkness, and one side to be used in our own personal lives to cut away all that does not belong.
But it’s what we do with the word of God that makes it a sword by which we can cut through all opposition of the enemy. These verses help us to understand that God’s word takes on the nature of a sword when we use it in prayer. The power of God’s word is designed to be released in your life as you speak it in prayer over the situations and circumstances around you.
As you continue to fill yourself up with the word of God, the next important step you must take is to speak it out in confession and command. It is your God given right in Christ to wield the sword of the Spirit, God’s mighty word, in your life. This is your weapon, use it well.
Bonus:
Practice personalizing the following prayers from God’s word:
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-14, Philemon 1:4-6
(20) Hebrews 4:12