February 21 2026

Saturday February 21

A “Word” For Every Season of Life

Ephesians 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

It was on this day, 55 years ago, February 21, 1971, that I made the best and the greatest decision I ever made in my life. As I celebrate this wonderful spiritual birthday, I couldn’t help but think about how God’s Word truly has given me strength and courage for every challenge I have faced over these past 55 years! And also the prayers of my family and friends that have encouraged me to keep on keeping on! Thank you!!!!!

Today we’re continuing to look at Ephesians 6:17, where Paul speaks of “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Some of what we’ve been saying may sound like repetition, but what we are talking about must be repeated. This is the very heart of the matter when it comes to facing temptation and standing against the wiles of the devil. If something is repeated, it is because the Holy Spirit wants us to hear it again.

As we think about the sword of the Spirit, someone has pointed out that a sword is both defensive and offensive at the same time. When Satan casts a fiery dart at us, the sword can be used defensively to deflect that dart with God’s Holy Word. But it is also offensive—it can strike the enemy. Think about this: when you use the Word of God, you can defend yourself against temptation. But you can also attack Satan’s kingdom by preaching the Gospel, witnessing to the lost, and teaching the truth. My friend, every time a person is saved through the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit has cut through into the kingdom of darkness.

I’ll never forget hearing a story years ago about an atheist who was being witnessed to by a believer. The believer kept trying to talk with him about the Lord. Finally, the atheist said, “Get out of here. Leave me alone. I don’t want to hear any more Scripture. I don’t want to hear any more of the Word. Just leave me alone. Get out.” The Christian replied, “I just want to leave you with one thought: Luke 13:3 says, ‘Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’” The atheist said, “I told you I don’t want to hear it. I don’t believe in God or the Bible! Get out of here!” The Christian said, “Just one more time—Luke 13:3: ‘Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’” As the Christian was walking away, the atheist shouted again, “Get away from me!” And the believer responded one last time, “Unless you repent, you will perish.” The next day, as the story goes, the atheist called that believer and said, “Would you please come talk to me about getting saved? All night long all I kept hearing was, ‘Unless you repent, you will perish.’ I don’t want to perish.” And he gave his heart to Christ.

Now, I don’t know for certain whether that story is true, but I do understand the power of the Word of God to do exactly that. You cannot stop the Word of God. People may brush aside your testimony, but the Word of God is “alive and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). As we’ve said before, it is an offensive weapon.

We need to always remember that the Word of God is the best weapon—the greatest weapon—for every need we have! I love what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:3. He reminds us, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” And in verse 4 he continues, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” That is powerful.

The Word of God helps us in every season of life. Do you feel downhearted? Have you been discouraged or even depressed? I’ll never forget a lady calling just before I was about to preach on a Sunday night—back in the old days when all we had were landlines in the church. There were no cell phones. She said, “I’m very discouraged. I need to talk to the pastor.” I picked up the phone briefly and said hello. She said, “I’m discouraged. I think I’m suicidal. I need help.” I said, “Ma’am, I want you to do something. Start reading the book of Psalms right now. Just read the Psalms. As soon as this service is over, I’ll call you back.” I’ll never forget it. After the service, I called her back. She said, “I’ve been reading the Psalms, and guess what? I already feel so different. Thank you so much for helping me.” I didn’t do anything. It was the Word of God that encouraged her.

A Word for the downhearted and discouraged: Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your Words were found, and I ate them, and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:9 asks, “How can a young man cleanse his way?” And it answers, “By taking heed according to Your Word.” Do you feel empty? Do you feel weak? Matthew 4:4 reminds us, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

When you have that intake of God’s Word, you will discover it is not merely information. It is nourishment. It is light. It is strength. It is direction. It will help you face every problem, every difficulty, every challenge of every day—no matter how it comes.

May God bless you today as you meditate on and think deeply about His Word.