Life Plan Devotion #87 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part V]

Hi, Everyone.
I don't know about where you live, but, here, this week is the final week of school. This year has flown by, and soon I'll be helping my mother daughters cart their kidlets (my grandchildren) around to a plethora of summer activities. Only this time, I weigh 100 lbs. less than I did a year ago! Praise God!
Today, we begin using our Helmet of Salvation to face our greatest fear. Don't be afraid. It will hurt so good! :)

Life Plan Devotion #87 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part V]

     Last time, we looked at how the Accuser of the Brethren throws darts of doubt, in an attempt to cause the believer to question his/her salvation. The Helmet of Salvation is meant to remind the believer that he/she has access to grace and mercy.
     The Helmet of Salvation is also meant to remind the believer that he/she can claim "deliverance from evil or danger" (see 2nd definition of "salvation" in Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary), but the believer must know and speak the promises of safety found in the Word of God. That is why Ephesians 6:17 directs us to "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" [emphasis mine]. It is the Word of God, our Sword of the Spirit, which will deal the death blow to our enemy who attempts to engage us in fights of fright.
     Yes, fear is Satan's number one weapon. If he can get you to feel concerned, anxious, worried, or afraid, he knows he is getting the upper hand in the battle, and he will double his efforts to defeat you. Look at the area of life that gives you pause, recognize the one behind your fear (whether that fear seems benign or malignant), and lift up the Sword of the Spirit, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), to destroy the two-edged broad sword of doubt and fear wielded by Satan.
     Next time, we will look at areas of fear and focus on specific promises you can use to combat the fear that the enemy would seek to use to bury you. Until then, ask yourself this question:  What do I fear the most? Make a list, if you need to. You'll know the thing you fear the most by the feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.

II Kings 6:16
"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered [his servant]. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'"

What this has to do with weight loss: For most of us, it seems as if we're in one battle after another, either to lose weight or to keep it off. Whether it's battling insurance to obtain weight-loss surgery or the temptation to revert to old, unhealthy eating behaviors (which comes from a fear of failure), be assured that, just like Elisha knew, "those [heavenly helpers] who are with [you] are more than those [evil imps] who are with [the enemy]" (II Kings 6:16, author's paraphrase). Recognize and utilize the host of heavenly help at your disposal, and you will win the war.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, help me to take a fearless look at that fear which I've given in to much too often. Help me to uncover every concern, analyze every anxious thought, wear down every worry, and fight every fear, and may I seek out Your Word for the power to do so. I pray in the Name of the One who, during the fiercest storm, is present and says, 'Take courage. It is I. Be not afraid' (Matthew 14:27). Amen."

Go forth today, and courageously name your fear.

Blessings,
Mary