Put On The Armor
Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)
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.
Devotion:
The call to "put on the full
armor of God" in Ephesians 6:11-12 is both a powerful reminder and a
source of comfort for every believer. Paul is not speaking figuratively here;
he is urging us to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity
of divine protection as we navigate a world filled with unseen battles. It’s
easy to think that our most significant challenges come from circumstances or
the actions of others. Yet, Paul makes it clear: our true struggle isn’t
against flesh and blood. Rather, it’s against spiritual forces that operate in
the shadows, influencing the world around us in ways we may not always
perceive.
Every day, whether at work, at home,
or even in the quiet moments of our thoughts, we face temptations, doubts,
fears, and distractions that pull us away from our purpose and our faith. The
devil’s schemes are subtle and persistent, often manifesting as discouragement,
division, or the lure of compromise. This is why Paul encourages us not just to
be aware, but to equip ourselves with the armor God provides actively. The
armor isn’t something we put on once and forget; it’s a daily discipline—a way
of living that keeps our hearts and minds anchored in truth, righteousness, and
the peace that comes from the gospel.
Putting on the armor means wrapping
ourselves in God’s truth when lies tempt us, standing firm in righteousness
when the world entices us with shortcuts, and holding tightly to faith when
doubt tries to take root. It means making prayer a priority, leaning on God’s
strength rather than our own, and remembering that victory comes not by human
effort but by the power of the Spirit working within us. Each piece of the
armor, from the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit, equips us to stand
firm and resist the attacks that would otherwise leave us vulnerable and
defeated.
As you go about your day, remember
that you are not alone in your struggle. God has given you everything you need
to face whatever comes your way—not only to survive, but to stand strong and
victorious. Ask Him to help you discern the real battle, to see beyond the
surface, and to rely fully on His protection. Let your faith be your shield,
and let His word be your guide. When you intentionally put on the full armor of
God, you are declaring that you trust in His power to overcome, and you are
choosing to stand firm against the forces that seek to pull you away from His
love. Be bold, be vigilant, and remember: the victory has already been won
through Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for providing us
with armor to keep us safe from the evil one. Keep us safe and give us the
strength to stand even when severely tested. May we be assured of your
protection at all times. Please help us remember that our struggles are not
against flesh and blood but are spiritual in nature. Amen.
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