The Whole Armor of God

Yessss! I have been waiting for this passage because it brought back all these memories from growing up. We used to have a board game to “put on the armor of God!” We played it ALL the time. And then of course the boys loved the “FOR REAL” armor that they got to wear and fight us in…but anyway, on to the post. :-D

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Oh, if I could not be strong in the Lord, I could not be strong at all! I am so weak and foolish, very susceptible to the darts of the enemy. Just this afternoon I was reminded how, without my gaze on Him, my heart is so prone to wander! But IN HIM I can stand strong, firm and steadfast! In HIM I can wrestle against the forces of the evil one. Without Him, I am nothing. I am easily conquered, easily persuaded, easily won over. Praise GOD that He has provided me with a host of weapons with which to do battle!!

For example, when tested with the lies from the enemy, I need only pull out the sword of the Spirit – the word of God which also contains all Truth. And, as Jordan mentioned earlier, that shield is crucial in the midst of trials! It is used to deflect those darts of despair, hopelessness, fear, etc. Were it not for that shield, I would have been long gone!

When I read this passage or think of myself in the battle, I try to imagine how I look as I am fighting (besides pretty hilarious :-D). I think at times I must only be waving my sword around half-heartedly with the rest of my armor barely in place. At other times, I am waging WAR and HACKING Agag to pieces (I Samuel 15:33). If only I fought all battles with such intensity, determination, courage and ruthlessness! But when I am weak, the Holy Spirit is right there to help! I am never alone in the battle, never left without the needed weapons! Many times I choose to sit on the sidelines as Benny mentioned this week but I am never not fully equipped – that helmet of salvation does not come off!!

We are more than conquerors…now let’s fight!!!