So… last week my post was about every problem having a solution. I felt I had found my solution to carving out writing time. And it was working… until…

We read different things about Satan, but a few things I know is that only God is Omniscient (All-Knowing), Omnipresent (Present everywhere at the same time), and Omnipotent (All-Powerful). And Satan is not. But, since one-third of the angels fell from Heaven in the beginning, Satan has henchmen that he can strategically place to create chaos in our lives.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Then there are our own weaknesses which the principalities examine in us and know where to attack.

I should have known last week when I bragged about having a solution to writing, that I would be under attack and have to battle against the desire to quit, because everything began to fall apart.

I totally forgot about putting on the armor of God. I was too busy berating myself for my negative reactions to circumstances, not having the right attitude, and being lazy.

So today, I want to share with you what I should have done, what I’ve done in the past, and what I know works in these situations.

Years ago, I found the following prayer, written by Charles Stanley, which if you actually use it will cover and protect you for any battle. And, you win. I actually have a copy posted on my bulletin board beside my desk, and I never looked at it. I just let stress engulf me.

But here is your chance to have a better outcome than I did. You just need to read it and fill in the blanks for the day.

The Whole Armor of God Prayer

by Charles Stanley

Want to start your day off right? Say this simple prayer by Charles Stanley every morning… Good morning Lord. Thank you for assuring me of victory today if I will but follow Your battle plan. So by faith, I claim victory over_____________________(list some things you know you will face today). To prepare myself for the battle ahead, by faith I put on the belt of truth. The truth about You Lord—that You are a sovereign God who knows everything about me, both my strengths, and my weaknesses. Lord, You know my breaking point and have promised not to allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to bear. The truth about me Lord, is that I am a new creature in Christ and have been set free from the power of sin. I am indwelt with the Holy Spirit who will guide me and warn me when danger is near. I am Your child, and nothing can separate me from Your love. The truth is that You have a purpose for me this day—someone to encourage, someone to share with, someone to love.

Next Lord, I want to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Through this I guard my heart and my emotions. I will not allow my heart to attach itself to anything that is impure. I will not allow my emotions to rule in my decisions. I will set them on what is right and good and just. I will live today by what is true, not by what I feel.

Lord, this morning I put on the sandals of the gospel of peace. I am available to You, Lord. Send me where You will. Guide me to those who need encouragement or physical help of some kind. Use me to solve conflicts wherever they may arise. Make me a calming presence in every circumstance in which you place me. I will not be hurried or rushed, for my schedule is in Your hands. I will not leave a trail of tension and apprehension. I will leave tracks of peace and stability everywhere I go.

I now take up the shield of faith, Lord. My faith is in You and You alone. Apart from You, I can do nothing. With You, I can do all things. No temptation that comes my way can penetrate Your protecting hand. I will not be afraid, for You are going with me throughout this day. When I am tempted, I will claim my victory out loud ahead of time, for You have promised victory even now because I know there are fiery darts headed my way even as I pray. Lord, You already know what they are and have already provided the way of escape.

Lord, by faith I am putting on the helmet of salvation. You know how Satan bombards my mind day and night with evil thoughts, doubt and fear. I put on this helmet that will protect my mind. I may feel the impact of his attacks, but nothing can penetrate this helmet. I choose to stop every impure and negative thought at the door of my mind. With the helmet of salvation, those thoughts will get no further. I elect to take every thought captive. I will dwell on nothing but what is good and right and pleasing to You.

Last, I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Thank You for the precious gift of Your Word. It is strong and powerful and able to defeat even the strongest of Satan’s onslaughts. Your Word says that I am not under obligation to the flesh to obey it’s lusts. Your Word says that He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. So by faith, I take up the strong and powerful sword of the Spirit, which is able to defend me in time of attack, comfort me in time of sorrow, teach me in time of meditation, and prevail against the power of the enemy on behalf of others who need the truth to set them free.

So Lord, I go now rejoicing that You have chosen me to represent You to this lost and dying world. May others see Jesus in me, and may Satan and his hosts shudder as Your power is made manifest in me.

In Jesus’ name I pray… AMEN.

*Have a great week! Let me know in the comments if this prayer helps you:)