“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 rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:11-12 ESV

We must be careful and aware of how the devil uses deception to talk us out of connecting and sharing, relying only on our own strength and broken understanding. Being vulnerable is hard, but it's so necessary and worth the reward of strengthening faith and breaking strongholds that deter us from the TRUE peace God has for us. Friends and family, faith-based counseling, small fellowship/support groups, and of course pastors are all invaluable options for open, safe communication. Concordia Publishing House also offers high-quality, vetted resources for group or individual study.

 “Equipped,”by Pastor Christopher Kennedy, is one of those resources I would highly recommend. It’s not only well-written and easy to understand but is so applicable to everyday life and the struggles that come – big and small. Pastor Kennedy does a fantastic job of unpacking the God-given tools we have to fight the good fight and persevere in our faith. He also brings full circle the need for community and support within, "There is strength in numbers. It's not just a matter of practical insight but also a biblical truth … One can fight the battle alone. Two fighting together are stronger… Our strength comes from the Savior, who stands beside us in the battle [of spiritual warfare] … He promises to be present in an extra special way when two or more come together in His name.” check it out.

• A virtual counseling option.
• Over the phone.
• In-person.