Dressed For Battle

Dressed for Battle

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy. . . . Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. . . . Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17

Paul tells us that if we are going to persevere and be able to stand in the midst of the troubles and battles of life, we must be dressed in God’s armor. This is not randomly selected attire. Every piece listed in this passage is essential if we are to resist the enemy and be victorious: We need faith as our shield to stop the fiery arrows the enemy aims at us. Salvation in Christ protects us from Satan’s lies. We must also wear the sturdy belt of truth and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, so that we are prepared to recite Scripture to the enemy of our souls, just as Jesus did in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-10).

The pieces of armor described in this familiar passage represent our “equipment” for fighting spiritual battles. But they also describe Jesus Christ. He is the security of our salvation, the champion and perfecter of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). He is the Living Word, so keeping our minds set on him unravels Satan’s deceptions. He is our peace (see Ephesians 2:14), and as we focus on him, we don’t need to fear the enemy or the situation. We can pray (because prayer is part of our spiritual arsenal) and live in peace.

Although the armor of God is very important, putting it on or saying it as a mantra isn’t a lucky rabbit’s foot or a ritual we complete before God will hear us. On the contrary, the armor is a word picture to help us understand how God has prepared us for spiritual warfare through Jesus Christ. When we clothe ourselves in him and trust him, we are prepared for battle. —CHERI

I thank you, Lord, for the privilege of partnering with you in your purpose to advance your Kingdom, set captives free, and stand against the forces of darkness. As I put on your armor and clothe myself in your righteousness, may the enemy be defeated and you be glorified in my life.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you ’til it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

—HARRIET BEECHER STOWE (1811–1896), AMERICAN AUTHOR