“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11.
Can you imagine waking up in a war zone every day knowing the only way to survive the next 24 hours is to fight for survival? Fortunately, we live in a country where that’s not a reality.
Or do we?
The Bible tells us that we fight against powers and the evil forces of Satan that are relentlessly trying to destroy us (Ephesians 6:12). Genesis 4:7 says that sin is crouching at our door and desires to overpower us, and Peter warns us to “be sober-minded and watchful. Because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (5:8). Just because we can’t see the battle doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
God knows we’re in a battle which is why He told us to “take up the whole armor of God,” so that we “may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13). The armor equips us for battle. We have a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, a readiness given by the gospel of peace, a shield of faith, a helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).
Notice something about the armor. Everything we are given is designed for the advance. God does not intend us to stand passively by and get routed by the enemy. In fact, He sends us into the world with a specific mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Many American Christians either don’t like to talk about the spiritual warfare that surrounds us or are oblivious to it. But think about this, if the spiritual battle wasn’t the most significant war in world history, then there would have been no need for the most significant event in world history: The birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sole reason Jesus entered this world was to defeat our greatest enemy: sin resulting in death. Jesus advanced on the enemy to claim souls that belong to Him, and He’s commanded us to advance in His name to continue that fight.
Are you ready for the battle today? Have you put on the full armor of God? Are you equipped to withstand an assault from Satan against you or your family?
Pause now and take a few moments to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Put on the whole armor of God. Then, wake up and do it again tomorrow and every day after that. That way, you will “be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Mark W. Koch is an Author, inspirational and Hollywood Film Producer. To order a Free Copy of, “The First Hour” for Men 30-Day Journey, Visit www.thefirsthour.com and use promo code NCF
