Ephesians 6:11-13
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (v. 12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (v. 13) 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.
The whole armor of God will be most effective when the whole armor is worn -- the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, . . . but remembering everything is overwhelming.
Go back to Day 1 -- our strength is in the Lord. On our own, we can't. (emphasize "period") By the Holy Spirit, our Helper, "the power of His might" (v.10), we can put on the whole armor of God.
We wear the armor of God for an essential reason: so we can withstand Satan and all the ripple effects of his evil in the world. It's not just a cautious measure, a "just in case" tactic or "to be on the safe side." A definite, present battle purposes to make you fall, to steal from you -- your confidence in Jesus, your hope, your blessings, to kill you and destroy you. Satan is relentless in trying to destroy as much of God's work as he can before the return of Jesus Christ. He is doing so every day through suicide, murder, through alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, friends, enemies, movies, TV, and social media. He desires to make your life like Hell. He hates you. There's proof of the wiles of the devil on your smart phone every day -- he already has plans in what he hopes you click on. Plans are set in place for you to push God aside and lean on your own understanding, closer to destruction.
photo by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay
This knowledge is not to scare you, but it's biblical knowledge. Gaining knowledge is repeatedly encouraged in the Bible, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan hates you, and you need to know this. You also need to know that God, who is stronger, is fighting for you; he has assigned angels to guide you to protect you and to exalt Him. His son Jesus has paid the ultimate cost for your sins. Death has been destroyed, and it's by nothing that you have done or can do to deserve or lose your salvation, as Satan wants you to believe. It's all by the power in His might and His love that frees you.
During this battle, God says, "Here, wear My armor." The armor of God. He gives you His very own armor to join in the battle because He knows you'll be great, and "having done all," our heavenly Father gazes upon you, His child, as you STAND!
"Stand" is the last word in this passage, and it reflects so much of our Christian faith. One day, we will stand with our Savior and our loved ones who died in Christ. And, dear child, whatever battle you are going through now, God promises it will end with you standing. Hallelujah!
Endure with patience and remain in the truths of God's word. Apply this passage by asking God to show you, to give you discernment, so you can see the wiles of the devil. See where Satan is attacking you, your friends, and your family. Then, pray and hold on to truths in the Bible. Reach out to spiritual leaders. Asking for prayer builds a mighty army, the mightiest army ever in battle.
Thank God for the gift of His very own armor.