SCRIPTURE
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor or God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil...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." (Ephesians 6:10-11,13)
OBSERVATION
We do not have to lose ground in the battle. With the armor God has provided we can stand firm. We can feel alone, or ill-equipped at times, but God has given us everything we need. Twice in this passage Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God. It's not about bits and pieces, but to be fully dressed and prepared. We don't fight with our own strength, which would give out rather quickly, but in the strength of God's might.
The cool part of the battle is this...once we are suited up we just need to stand, firm. We don't have to run, either away from or after the devil. James reminds us that if we resist, he will do the running (James 4:7). It's tiring to run but strength comes from God as we stand. He has given us what we need to stand. He wants us to succeed and wants us to be victorious. That happens when we do all, suiting up, so that with the full armor of God and his strength we can stand even in the evil day.
APPLICATION
I tend to put on bits and pieces of the armor. I wear the belt of truth, but because of my sinful inclinations do not wear the breastplate of righteousness. Or, I will have the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, in my life but not share my faith, forgetting the shoes, the readiness given by the gospel of peace. I'm not praying at all times, but I'm wearing the helmet of salvation. Because I'm partially dressed my strength is sapped and I'm not prepared. God wants me to do all by wearing the full armor.
I wouldn't go out of the house partially dressed (OK, maybe to grab the paper but not to grab lunch). How much more should I never enter the battle without the full armor of God, doing everything he asks so I can stand firm. God has supplied. I need to suit up and stand, taking advantage of the resources he has given me.
PRAYER
Lord, I need your strength for the battle. Thank you that you have given me everything I need to stand firm.
