Sugar Fast Day 31
I am in the home stretch. Ten days to go. I can see that finish line, but the devil is still whispering in my ear. “ You didn’t do this fast correctly. You aren’t reaching your goals. Fail…”. The Bible is clear that devil is just waiting to take me down. I am in a spiritual battle. I need the armor of God.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1Peter 5:8)
Satan is the father of lies. I know this, but his accusations can still sting. Today I need to denounce the devil’s lies and put on what God has given me, His armor.
This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. (Ephesians 6:13-17)
The Armor of God
God has given me the Belt of Truth. I need to listen to God’s truth; not the devil’s “truth” and not my own. What is true about this fast? I went into this knowing I would not consume any processed sugars— no mochas, cookies, cakes, candy, etc. I have succeeded thus far. This fast is much more than a sugar detox. It is a spiritual journey in which I have heard from God. I have committed to spending time with Him daily. He has spoken truth over me and His truth is what matters. Satan spits lies.
I have also been given a Breastplate of Righteousness, given to me at my salvation designed to protect my heart from evil and deception. My self-righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks (Isaiah 64:6), but Christ’s righteousness is.
Sandals of Peace. I love this imagery. I don’t need to feel unrest about where I am in this fast. The devil will try to derail me with every step, but I have the gospel peace and God’s grace with each step I take.
Satan also plants seeds of doubt about God’s faithfulness to carry me through my life. But I have been given the Shield of Faith. I see His faithfulness exhibited every day in my life. God is the author and perfector of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
The Helmet of Salvation is critical in the battle of the mind. I recognize this morning’s attack is taking place in my thoughts. The devil loves to whisper thoughts to me that, if I am not careful, I adopt as my own and believe. The truth is I am to take every thought captive and judge it based on Biblical truth, not my own. (2Cor. 10:5). To this end, the Word of God is critical to the fight. This is the Sword of the Spirit.
The Battle Has Been Won
We are in a battle. We were born into a world that is at war. But God has equipped His saints to fight the fight and win. This morning I know I am more than a conqueror.