In looking at the familiar Ephesians passage regarding putting on spiritual armor (chapter 6), the above verse starts us off. It is true, we are going to face all sorts of challenges, even evil. When we do, God assures us that He has given us protection during these battles. While we may get pretty beat up and hurt, we will not be consumed. However, we must remember that we cannot fight off the accusations of the enemy, his flaming arrows, unless we are fully dressed for war.
If you are visual, like me, I want you to imagine going out to the battlefield to fight the devil himself. He has all sorts of tricks and disguises, so know that you’re probably not going to fight the man-in-the-red-suit. No, this enemy is enticing and attractive. Yet, even though he may look ‘good’ on the outside, he despises Jesus by refusing to submit to His authority or humble himself to the King. His pride rules and will be his destruction. But, before then, your adversary will attempt to destroy you (1 Peter 5:8-9). So, as you prepare to fight off this enemy, you must be properly protected. If not, you will be going into battle…naked.
Now, I sincerely doubt that any of you readers would want to go out in public naked. Again, if you’re visual, you’re imagining the horror and you’re hoping to wake up quickly from this nightmare! But, ratchet this up a notch. You’re not just going out into public naked if you’re not armed with God’s spiritual armor, but you’re also going out to fight one who is far superior in cunning and deceit than your sinful nature could ever imagine. Unprotected, you will surely die.
But, God kindly warns us about this battle and about this destructive enemy. Along with the warning He gives us weapons to fight: a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel peace, a shield of faith, a helmet of salvation, and a sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Even though God gives us these critical weapons, He gives us something perhaps even more important…
His strength.
As strong as you may think you are, the devil will crush you. There’s no hope against him in your own strength. However, we know that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world so we must constantly depend upon God in order to do battle with the powers of darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness (see Ephesians 6). Apart from Him, we are powerless.
So, stand strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (not your own). Remember to armor up because this will give us the ability to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Even the strongest man alive cannot stand firm in the midst of a hurricane, let alone endure the father of all lies. What makes us think we can do battle with this enemy in our own abilities?!? God tells us multiple times in this Scripture passage to stand firm. We simply cannot do this on our own.
We must humble ourselves by seeing our need and asking God for His help. Relying on His strength is our only answer for doing battle against evil. He is mighty to save!
Love, Wendy
