Scripture
“Finally, be strong in the Lord 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.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)
Observation
I love these scriptures that remind and forewarn us that our stand and battle against the devil is not against one another, but instead a spiritual battle originating out of the heavens as a continuation of the devil’s defiance of the Lord and how the devil tries to steal, kill and destroy. Yet, the Word give us clear guidance of how to suit up to battle the devil’s schemes. We can call on God’s truth through His word, His promises, perseverance, and standing in faith on His faithfulness. The various components of the “buckle of truth,” “the breastplate of righteousness,” “the feat shod with readiness,” “the shield of faith,” “the helmet of salvation,” and the “sword of the spirit,” are our protection and weapons to fight the spiritual battle which it is.
Application
I am thankful to have these descriptive truths to encourage, strengthen and apply it times of challenge, knowing it’s not if, but when I will need to do spiritual battle that is manifested in my life and life situations. I know that my readiness is not only looking for the Armor of God when I need it, but keeping it with me in my time in the Word and prayer. In that way, I am always suited up and ready for the battles that come my way.
I remember when I played high school football. We suited up with a helmet, shoulder pads, hip pads, and knee pads. I’ve noted that desiring less weight and more speed, that the players today have less and smaller pads. For example, most don’t wear knee pads. However, statistics show that there are more injuries in football today. I bet it’s because of less protection. So to is it with our protecting ourselves from the devil. We can’t compromise, lessen, or go without our protection by way of God’s word and prayer.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for providing us with the your armor to fight the good fight that is spiritual and of which requires only the protection and weapons that you can and do provide. May I seek these daily in my devotions in the Word and prayer.
