Fitted for Battle

“Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11.

You confirm the secured date on your calendar. Now you prepare for the long-awaited shopping trip, vacation, weekend getaway, cruise, hunting or fishing trip, or holiday just around the corner. How do you plan for such events? Different activities require specific preparations, including a checklist to ensure you don't forget anything. Would you make the necessary arrangements? Sure, you would—if you want a successful event.

The apostle Paul presents the necessity and advantage of wearing God’s armor, the vital equipment for protection and effectiveness as God’s servant. In Ephesians 6:10–18, God’s Word instructs His children how to prepare to overcome the adversary, the enemy of our souls: “Put on the whole armor of God” to stand firm and fortify against the devil's schemes, strategies, and deceits. But before we don God's armor, Paul writes that we must "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (v. 10). This strength is not gained from body-building workouts. Instead, it's an inner strength that resists the enemy of our souls by depending on the power of God's might, not ours.

You face a one-on-one wrestling match daily, not with people but against that which you cannot see with physical eyes; it is a spiritual battle against the forces of evil in this world (v. 12).

According to Paul, wearing the whole armor of God enables us to stand as victors in this spiritual battle. Why, then, do we often live wounded and defeated lives? Are people not wearing the armor properly? Do we pick and choose which pieces to wear? Are we neglecting to put it on at all? If it is so vital, why do we take it off? Answering these questions may reveal some hidden truths about ourselves. 

Over the next several days, consider the significant role each piece of armor plays in daily life. Are you clothed with God’s armor? If not, why?