Defending Against the Devil: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Armor

In the intricate tapestry of life, the devil knows the well-worn paths that lead straight to the heart, joy, passion, energy, happiness, well-being, and sometimes even the very fabric of our existence. For some, these paths are scarred by the struggles of relationships, and in my case, it was the haunting specter of my alcoholic mother.

Entering my twenties, I found myself entangled in the complexities of trying to forge a connection with her. Despite years of abuse, I yearned for anything that resembled love from her. The devil, in his cunning ways, seized upon this vulnerability, orchestrating a theft of everything good within me through the triggers I had with my mother.

Eventually, she exited my life, leaving behind a wound, a well-worn path, which slowly began to heal. However, the enemy, ever vigilant, found new avenues to penetrate my spirit and derail the goodness in my life. This time, it wasn't through my mother but through the echoes of her communication style and tone, reverberating in the words of bosses, partners, loved ones, and even strangers. It crippled me, making me feel defenseless and bringing out the worst in me.

So, how does one grow from such experiences and build an impenetrable barrier against the enemy's tactics? Turning to the Bible, I discovered Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV):

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

I found solace in the Armor of God:

🌱 Belt of Truth: Grounding myself in the truth of God's word became my foundation.

🌱 Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a righteous and moral life, I embraced goodness in my actions and decisions.

🌱 Shoes of Peace: Seeking peace in my relationships and interactions, I allowed Christ’s peace to guide me.

🌱 Shield of Faith: Trusting in God's plan and promises, my faith became a shield against doubt and fear.

🌱 Helmet of Salvation: Guarding my mind with the assurance of salvation through Christ provided clarity.

🌱 Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): Using scripture as a weapon, I defended against the enemy's lies and deceit.

🌱 Prayer: Engaging in prayer became a constant, seeking God's guidance and discernment to recognize the enemy's tactics.

🌱 Community and Support: Surrounding myself with a supportive community of believers uplifted me in times of struggle.

🌱 Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 encouraged me to "not conform to the pattern of this world." I replaced negative thoughts with God's truth.

🌱 Forgiveness: Forgiving those who had hurt me, including my mother, became a crucial step in my healing journey.

The enemy's tactics often target our identity, worth, and relationships. Armed with the armor of God and fortified by biblical wisdom, I discovered the strength to build a formidable defense against the devil's schemes. In this journey, I found not only protection but also a profound sense of healing and restoration.