Stand Up

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)

In his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul repeatedly made a point to stand against the devil's attacks. He emphasized that although every piece of our spiritual armor is necessary, we must always stand. Jesus gives all His followers the authority to trample over the evil one, but if we give up and lay down, how can we put the devil under our feet?

Medical research shows the many benefits of merely standing. Your postural muscles rev up while standing, which decreases inflammation of your back and neck. You lower your risk of dying from heart disease and diabetes. Just by the act of rising, you increase your blood flow, attentiveness, and efficiency. If you remain bed-bound, your physical and mental health will decline. As Jesus told the lame man, we too must take up our bed and walk!

Many Christians give the devil more than his due. On the cross, Christ stripped Satan of his power and nullified death. He died that we could live! The devil no longer has the upper hand in your life unless you give it to him. The devil is an accuser and a deceiver. If you believe his lies and accept his accusations against you, he will pin you down on the wrestling match of life. When the devil presses you, you must press out the anointing in you. Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. Stand and having done all stand!