I’ve been reading about the full armor of God lately. How we should equip ourselves with it, use it to safeguard and encourage ourselves.
Though I’ve been aware of the armor of God for a long time, it struck me recently how the Bible said to put on the full armor. Not just a piece here and there, not just most of it, but all of it. Every single piece.
This inspired me on multiple levels, particularly how this parallels God in our lives. He wants to be a part of all of our lives, not just here and there and church on Sunday. He created us to need Him and He needs to be needed. In all areas and in all things.
It is exciting and yet can also be intimidating to consider. Realizing that God wants to be a part of everything can really make you question what all you do. But truly, what could be better? He wants to be a part of all the details, He wants you to have a childlike need for Him. Though He equips us for what He has for us, He also designed us to need Him, as children need parents.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
It is vital that we remember the source of our strength. It isn’t found in people, places or things, but in God alone. He equips us for what He brings us to. We can find strength in Him and in His power.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Putting on the full armor of God, just like inviting Him into every area of our life, helps us to stand firm and strong against the devil. The devil is not always blatantly evil or obviously bad. He is cunning and can take the form of almost good things or something not too bad. We must remain alert and be aware! Second best is often the enemy of best.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Battles are not often obvious fight-until-the death-battles, but rather subtle struggles and opportunities to compromise. This is why we must remain alert and invite God into every area of our life. The best way to spot a counterfeit or something that distracts you from God’s best is to know and recognize God’s best.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
We must equip ourselves for success. Yes, victory belongs to the Lord, but He also helps those who help themselves. As the saying goes, God didn’t give you a shovel to lean on it. In other words, He gives us what we need for where we are.
Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And here we have a list of the full armor of God!
- A belt of truth – may we guard our words and our thoughts and focus on truth, for truth will always be brought to light.
- The breastplate of righteousness – an excellent reminder that we must choose to do the right thing, time and time again. True we will fail, but we must never waver in pursuing righteousness again.
- The gospel of peace – this brings to mind Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Anyone can be difficult, argumentative, or pick fights. It takes an intentional effort to pursue peace.
- The shield of faith – faith: the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Ooh to claim that faith, boldly and confidently! Allowing it to shield us from doubts, concerns and unknowns.
- The helmet of salvation – may we be secure in our faith and in our God! As a helmet protects the head, may the helmet of salvation protect us from worldly worries and be a barrier of truths that we can claim and cling to!
- The sword of the Spirit – The Word of God. May we fill our minds, hearts, and thoughts with it so that we may stand strong!
Be Encouraged
God has incredible plans ahead for you and for me. No matter what, He always has a plan for His people! Keep in mind, this plan will take time. Sometimes I think waiting is one of the hardest things we have to do. But I am convinced that in this waiting is when we are drawn the closest to Him.
So let us put on the full armor of God, equipping ourselves to be our best for God and those around us! May we give Him every area of our lives and fully submit to Him, every single day.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. I do enjoy personalizing Scripture to make it more real and applicable to the here and now! Read a personalization of Psalm 91 here: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2021/07/07/psalm-91/