# Fighting the Devil with the Whole Armor of God
*2018-01-26*

> Bill Young reflects on personal trials, the signs he sees of the Trinity Shield, and reads Ephesians 6:10‑18 and James 4:7 while praying a dedication to the Holy Trinity.

## Why I’m Speaking About Spiritual Warfare

Today I want to talk about the reality of spiritual battle. The devil never forgets our sins; he constantly seeks to draw us back into temptation. That’s why we must put on the whole armor of God and pray constantly. I’m sharing this because I’m in the midst of a difficult season in my marriage and family life, and I need your prayers.

## The Trinity Shield

A few weeks ago I noticed a three‑leaf clover pattern on a piece of wood in my garage that looked like a tiny tornado of leaves. To me it was a sign—a “Trinity Shield”—that God is trying to speak. I’ve also seen rose petals fall in a strange pattern and other small coincidences that feel like God’s gentle nudges. I’m not claiming these are miracles, but as a man of faith I believe God can use ordinary moments to remind us of His presence.

## Reading the Armor of God

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10‑18:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the evil one; and taking the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication. Keep alert, and pray for all the saints.”

And from James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

## A Prayer Dedicated to the Holy Trinity

I have composed a simple prayer of dedication to the Holy Trinity:

“I dedicate myself to the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. May the conversion of souls and my own heart be wholly offered to You, O Holy Trinity. Amen.”

I also pray the traditional Trinitarian doxology:

“Eternal Father, I thank You for creating me in Your love. Save me by the infinite mercy of Jesus Christ. Eternal Son, I thank You for redeeming me with Your precious blood. Eternal Holy Spirit, I thank You for adopting me and leading me to holiness. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

## Personal Requests and Closing Thoughts

I ask you to pray for my marriage, which has been strained after more than 30 years together, and for the financial decisions my wife and I are facing. Please also pray for those battling cancer, for families who have lost loved ones, and for anyone carrying a heavy cross. May we all put on God’s armor, resist the devil, and trust in His providence.

*When we clothe ourselves with the armor of God and trust in the Trinity, we can stand firm against every trial.*