Verse: Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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.
Thoughts
Have you ever tried to do something without the proper gear? Like check your mail without shoes? I have a gravel driveway. Ouch! Maybe you played soccer without shin guards or went for a hike in flip-flops? Imagine playing professional football without padding and a helmet? You would be clobbered. I’m sure a Roman soldier knew the value of his armor. Putting on his armor was second nature and he probably felt naked without it.
I know that I can’t make it 5 minutes in the morning without His strength. I have four very strong willed and rambunctious children. I prepare by praying and engaging (putting on) the gifts of my salvation. Our strength and power as a Christian is our dependence upon His strength and power. Just as our salvation was a gift of grace so is our daily bread. Our sustenance comes from Him alone. Also our protection both physically and spiritually.
Our opponent on the playing field of the Christian life is very real and utterly despises us and our mission. We see in these verses that he has traps set, a strategy to stop us and various levels of evil authorities to utilize against us. Sometimes he comes with full force aggression to tackle us and other times he tries to subtly keep us on the bench – disengaged and jaded. This shouldn’t scare us but actually encourage us because our fight isn’t against our brother or sister. Our true enemy is already defeated! As we wait for his final judgement we know that this is our opportunity to seek and save those who don’t know Jesus. Let us not be caught off guard, without our armor.
Prayer
Jesus help us to acknowledge our dependence upon you. Our strength, protection and sustenance is from You. Give us eyes to see our enemy and where we have allowed him to gain ground in our lives. Help us to engage in this struggle and pray for all those who don’t know You. Fill us with your Holy Spirit! We stand strong with your armor and your mighty power.
Author: Michela Brownell
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