Armour
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11
Just imagine if someone were to walk on to a battlefield wearing casual clothes. The thought is absurd. If you knew that you were heading into battle, you would go fully equipped. Paul made it absolutely clear to his readers that the resurrection power of God was at work in their lives. But, at the same time, he reminded them that they were involved in a daily struggle with the powers of evil. Paul’s conclusion, as he drew this letter to an end, was that they should go into every day fully equipped for the battles that they would face.
The wonderful truth that Paul shares is that God perfectly equips us for the challenges that we might face. He gives us truth, which is like a belt. It keeps everything firmly in place. He gives us a breastplate of righteousness; because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross our spiritual vital organs are totally protected. Our feet are equipped with the gospel of peace and he gives us a shield that can protect us from all the flaming arrows of the evil one (vv13-17).
We can step forward with confidence in God. Whatever the devil might throw at us, we know that we are fully protected. That isn’t to deny the reality of the battle or to suggest that it won’t hurt us at times. But we can be sure that, at the end of the day, however hot and fierce the battle might be, we will still be standing when it ends.
QUESTION
What part of the armour do you need to put more firmly in place in your life?
PRAYER
Loving God, thank you that you have perfectly equipped me to face every challenge that the devil might throw at me. Help me to put on every piece of the armour that you have lovingly provided for me. Amen