Buckle up Buttercup, There’s a New Sheriff in Town, and It Is You!

“For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh,

since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful

through God for the demolition of strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, CSB)

You’ve gained territory in deactivating triggered emotions haunting you at times, yet do you sometimes feel powerless or defeated even though you see spiritual growth in your life? Do you fear losing the ground you’ve gained back with loved ones, co-workers, friends, or even the Lord?

Well, buckle up buttercup, there’s a new sheriff in town, and it is you! If you haven’t realized it before, I’m sure you do now. You are in an all-out war. You are not only warring for your life, but also for the lives of those you care about. Take comfort, however, you have been equipped with the greatest arsenal of weapons available—power and authority. I love the scripture under the title of this section. Our weapons are “powerful for the demolition of strongholds.”

We have put in a lot of effort in learning how to have much happier and more peaceful lives. It is a place of growing our faith and understanding just how much the Father loves us. Our lives have changed drastically and will continue to do so as we pray daily and seek to grow our relationship with Him. It is a lifelong process; don’t be deceived by the seasons where it seems all is perfect. Don’t let down your guard. As it says in 1 Peter 5:8, the enemy is always on the prowl like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (paraphrased). So now, as we are healing and gaining strength in Him, it’s time to learn how to fight to maintain the ground we’ve gained.

Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God, and those are to protect us from the blows of the enemy. We desperately need them for our defense:

“Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious. Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace. In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one! Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-18, TPT)

Yet Jesus did not just leave us with those; He also gave us all power and authority over the enemy. These weapons are for going on the offense. We have authority over all things, remember? So, suit up and prepare to fight!

My Prayer for You

Lord, I ask that you open the understanding of the one reading this study and yearning for more confidence and courage to withstand the wiles of the enemy. Give them peace in the knowledge you have given us everything we need to be victorious in every area of our lives. Whether it be financial, physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, you have given us the weapons necessary to win the battles ahead. Let them also see that it is not your intention for us to be continually at war. With You, there is peace and harmony, and we will be swift to cut the enemy off when he tries to attack. We thank You for joy unspeakable and the love You give freely and unconditionally. We honor You and praise You always in the name of Jesus Christ, our King. Amen!

Declaration / Affirmation (read aloud)

I understand satan has some power but absolutely no authority! I have been given all power and authority and have permission from Jesus Himself to stomp on scorpions and serpents. I will not walk in fear or cower at the least sign of opposition. I will arise and defend my inheritance and my legacy as prepared for me by my Father since the foundation of the world. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and I intend to do them!