Fashion comes and goes, but for the devoted follower of Jesus, there is one outfit that is always in style. Read what the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6.10-17 (NLT):
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. 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. In addition to all of these, 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.
There are many times when we become frustrated in life’s battles, but some of them – perhaps many of them – are not of the sort that can be fought with words or pills or therapy; they must be fought with prayer.
Paul invites us to wear the full armour of God so that we will be completely ready for the battles of life that don’t involve weapons or minds. There are many battles in life that involve the spirit.
Consider a struggle you face today, and re-read those words from Ephesians 6. Put on all of God’s armour. Realize that you’re not battling flesh and blood. Put on the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit. God’s got this.
