Ephesians 6 gives us three basic steps for living our lives daily for God.
1 - Be strong in the Lord. Earlier in Ephesians, we are told to be rooted and established in Christ's love, that we would KNOW the full scope of His love. This is the basis of a true and lasting, unshakable relationship with the King of everything. Know Him. Be rooted and established in understanding and knowledge of how He loves us.
2 - Put on God's full armour so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. The armour of God consists of righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. These are elements that should be a central part of our daily lives. These are tools that we have at in our grasp to use to live successful, victorious lives.
3 - Pray. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. You know, it IS possible to get dressed for battle and then lie down on the battlefield. No one says that a fully-dressed soldier will automatically engage in battle. The soldier has to actively choose to engage and take part in the battle. This is the element of prayer for Christians. Prayer is our battle action. There is a note on this in my Bible. It reads as follows:
Prayer is not to be seen just as another weapon, but as part of the actual conflict itself, where the victory is won for ourselves and others by working together with God Himself. To fail to pray diligently, with all kinds of prayer in all situations is to submit to the enemy.
So I ask you, WHY get dressed in full armor if you are going to lie down in the middle of the battle field and allow the opposition to have his way? Why not align yourself together with the Almighty God and ask Him, invite Him, to work in circumstances around you to advance His will and kingdom. This is His design. That we would partner with Him, work together with Him, invite Him into situations and circumstances. That we work together, united in Christ. It is His design throughout eternity, and nothing but actively engaging in prayer - all kind of prayers and requests - will bring about the victory we hope for.
What circumstances in your life would you love to see God work in? I sat down this morning and made a list of those things in my own life, and then I took some quiet time to pray for each one of them.
Psalm 34:15 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry.