Life Plan Devotion #91 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part IX]

Hi, Everyone.
I trust you are having a nice, 3-day Memorial Day weekend. Join me in remembering the sacrifice of all our service personnel, who have been wounded or killed in the service of our country, as well as their families, who either deal with their wounds or their passing. They need our prayers.
Today, we continue with our not-so-mini mini-series on The Armor of God, how the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) helps us battle the enemy's use of fear. We begin looking at the 3rd of the top 5 fears, today.
As always, I love to hear from you. It blesses me, and it helps me to gauge your understanding of that which I write with the help of the Lord.

Life Plan Devotion #91 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part IX]

     We have looked at 2 of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, the fear of want and lack, and the fear of peril or danger. Today, let's look at the third most common fear used by Satan to try to discourage and defeat you, fear of sickness and disease.
     Of all the fears utilized by Satan, the fear of sickness and disease is the one used most successfully. The reason is because so many of us believers are ignorant of (lacking revelation knowledge of) the fact that "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5), a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus, when He was flogged prior to His crucifixion (Mark 15:15).
     The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life.
     When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, they allowed Satan to bring in sin, sickness, disease, and death. Sin is the cause of it all, but the Cross is the cure. Jesus "took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows...He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5). Since Jesus fulfilled that which was prophesied by Isaiah, there is no need for any believer to either fear or endure sickness or disease.
     So many believers are either sick or afraid that they will get a horrible sickness or disease. Fear is the opposite of faith, and when a believer entertains fear, he/she gives Satan an open door to bring in that which is feared. If you need healing today, it will be "according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29). Next time, we'll look at some specific promises of healing. Until then, read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), about the healing ministry of Jesus, and know that "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Psalm 107:17-20
"Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them."

What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us with a weight problem has been foolish and rebellious. We have suffered physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. No diet, not even weight-loss surgery, will take care of all our afflictions, but if we cry out to God, He will save us from our distress. His Word heals!

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have an enemy who wants me to fear sickness and disease, but You have "not given me a spirit of fear" (II Timothy 1:7), so I do not have to be afraid of anything. Truly, You have sent Your Word to heal me. I pray that I will avail myself of it. May my faith in You, Your Word, and Healing be so strong that, according to my faith, sickness and disease shall have no power over me. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, choosing faith in healing over fear of sickness.

Blessings,
Mary