Wear the Full Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why you need to put on God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 New Century Version (NCV)
Our almighty God has not left His children defenseless in this fallen world. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save us from ourselves. Believing in Christ we are forgiven our sins and following Him we are given an example of how to live righteous lives in a world full of darkness. However, God knows that when we truly become His children, we will need real protection from evil and He provides us with all we need for the spiritual battle ahead. Sometimes we wonder why. Why doesn't God just snuff the enemy out? As we keep following Christ to His Kingdom, we will one day be able to ask Him that question if we still want to know then. In the meantime, we must put on His full armor for protection.
We are not fighting people. This war is with the evil that exists in this world. Sometimes we see it. Often we don't even recognize it until it jumps up in our faces. That is why we must use the shield of our faith to block it, no matter where it comes from. Trust that God does see it and He makes available all we need to be prepared, even as He takes care of a lot of it Himself as He protects us from things we don't see. We are to wear truth as a belt and righteousness as a breastplate, our salvation as a helmet and use God's Word as a sword of the Spirit. Jesus gave His life to provide us with these weapons of faith and by using them we are given strength to stand against evil in any form, in any way and at any time.
Let's put on our shoes of peace and run in full armor through this world letting everybody know that Jesus has already won the war and He's coming back to finish His work of cleaning things up. That will keep us too busy to even notice that the enemy is also busy still trying to put a chink in the armor God has given us to wear. The enemy's time is short. God promises us forever.
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