Wearing the whole armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the armor of God and its importance in the life of every Christian.  I have to be honest and say that I think I've forgotten how to gird myself in God's protection and have thus been beaten up a lot by Satan recently.  I woke up today with the realization that my problem isn't necessarily one of confidence (or lack thereof) but rather of defeatism.  I've given up on major dreams of mine because of this feeling that they aren't going to come true so why bother?  

This is not a helpful attitude.  I recognize this and am working to rectify it...one step at a time.  Step one: remember God's promises and his protection.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord in and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  Eph. 6:10-18

This is my struggle.  To keep praying in the Spirit and clinging to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, so that I may stand firm in the knowledge that God has beautiful, wonderful plans for me, and really, if He is for me, who could possibly stand against me?  

God has given me a gift, and I need to trust in his love.  That's where I am...remembering daily that it's not about me, it's about Him.  My story reflects His glory and so why should I possibly feel defeated?  

While, I'm not completely there, I'm working on it.  God is working on me, and that's what counts.