I’ve heard people say they decided Christianity wasn’t for them because it didn’t keep them from having problems. I’m always puzzled by the reasoning, because no where in the Bible does it say the Christian life will be free of conflict. Rather, it pretty much assures the opposite! The most faithful Christians are often the ones most plagued, because the evil one wants to trip them up. But just because we encounter trials doesn’t mean we have to concede defeat.

Ephesians 6:11 advises us, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the devil.” We find each piece of that armor in Ephesians 6: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Faith equips us with armor that lets us stand strong. Deuteronomy 33:25 tells us, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” A cobra isn’t going to be able to strike through iron and brass; a kick to a lion’s nose is going to send him running. The demons cannot stand against the holy Word of God. Jesus has already defeated Satan. That means we already have the victory.