To see the temperature of the world right now, all you have to do it take a brief look around. There are a lot of people hurting. But lately, I’ve dealt with a lot of family dramas. Some have been my own family and some have been just listening to precious friends. If there is one thing we all share in common, it’s that families can be messy. And frankly that’s exactly how Satan wants it. After all, families are God designed to show us how to love and be loved.
Focus on the Family states, “Two essential elements of family — marriage and parenthood — reveal God’s character like nothing else in Creation. The love between a husband and wife provides a glimpse of Christ’s passionate devotion to us as His bride. In the same way, the ups and downs of parenthood offer a compelling picture of God’s tenderness and patience toward us as His children.
And family does more than reflect God’s character. It provides a safe place where children can experience God’s love (through their parents) and learn how to love other people.”
So what do we do when Satan attacks our family? These attacks can come in many forms. It could be a child that has rebelled; a parent that has hurt you; a spouse that has walked away; a sibling that has turned their back against you; a family member who rejects the Christian faith. It can be many things and most of them are out of our control. So what can we do when our hands are tied to change the circumstance?
WE MUST PRAY
Ephesians 6:10-12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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.”
Paul goes on to say, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peach. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6: 13-18).
But how do we carry out this prayer in a practical way?
Christine Bathelder wrote an article for Billy Graham’s Training Center at The Cove’s website. She broke down Ephesians 6:10-12 in a clear, practical way that helps us understand how to pray this prayer effectively.
Prayer: Father, help us to prepare for any battle we may face. Help us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. As we go through today, help us to stand strong and not live in fear of the enemy.
“Please Lord, equip me today with the armor of God.
I put on the belt of truth (verse 14).
May Your truth rule in my heard, my mind, and through my words today.
I put on the breastplate of righteousness (verse 14).
Apart from You, Jesus, there is no righteousness. Through Jesus I have been “born again” and made righteous in Your sight. Help me to live as a righteous person.
I put on the shoes of peace (verse 15) and pray that they will be firmly grounded in the good news of what Jesus did on the cross.
Lord, help me to reflect the Gospel in my words and in my actions, that through me, I may shine Jesus’ light and others may be drawn to know You.
I take up the shield of Faith (verse 16) for any fiery darts that may come my way. Thank You that in Jesus, we have the victory. No matter what tactics the enemy may throw at us, God has everything under control.
I put on the helmet of salvation (verse 17)
Lord, protect my mind and remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love. I’ve been saved by grace through faith.
I take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (verse 17).
Lord, as I open Your Word – let Your Holy Spirit open my eyes to see new things about You and open my mind and heart as You lead me. May I be “filled with the Spirit” and ready with
Scriptures. Help me to memorize Your Word and keep it safe in my heart.
Finally, Lord, remind me to pray in the Spirit on all occasions (verse 18).
Help me to always be in constant communication with you. Cause me to be alert, to be joyful and give thanks in everything. In Jesus’ mighty name – Amen.”
As we fall on our knees to protect our families, let us do it with confidence, knowing that God hears our prayers and is faithful to intervein in our lives. Sometimes our circumstances are out of our control, but they are not out of God’s mercy. It’s easy to want to combat a family matter with action, but our first line of defense is to pray and put it at the feet of Jesus. He is faithful. He sees you. And He will carry you through whatever comes your way.
