Every day, we step into a spiritual battle that cannot be fought with human strength, wisdom, or determination. God does not tell us to become strong enough for the battle. He commands us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10).
The armor of God is not a formula or a ritual. Each piece points us to the Person and finished work of Jesus Christ. He is our truth, our righteousness, our peace, our faith, our salvation, and the living Word of God. Putting on the full armor is choosing to stand securely in who He is and in all that He has already accomplished for us.
Just as we dress physically each morning, we can intentionally clothe ourselves spiritually in the provision of Christ. We do not stand in fear of the enemy, but in confident dependence upon Jesus and His already-assured victory.
Father,
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. They are fallen angels cast down from heaven by the command of the true and living God. They are subject to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We are in Him and stand in His already-assured victory. Therefore, we put on our full armor in You so that when the fiery darts come, we may be able to stand our ground.
We stand firm because we have taken up these weapons:
We buckle the belt of truth around our waist. Truth is the Person of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
We put on the breastplate of righteousness. The Person and sinless sacrifice of the Lord Jesus is our Righteousness.
We put on our feet the sandals of the preparation of the gospel of peace. The Person of the Lord Jesus is our peace.
We take the shield of faith which extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The Person of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is all the faith we need.
We take the helmet of salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself alone is our salvation. His mind guards our minds.
We take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Word is the Person of Jesus Christ who came in the flesh and defeated the works of the enemy. His Word never returns to Him void.
We clothe ourselves in all of Jesus and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18).
“No weapon formed against us will prevail, and we will refute every tongue that accuses us. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord (Isa. 54:17). The One who was born of God keeps us safe, and the evil one cannot harm us (1 John 5:18).
In the name of Jesus, amen.
As you move through this day, remember that you do not face the battle alone or unprotected. You are clothed in Christ, strengthened by His power, and secure in His victory. Stand firm in truth, remain anchored in peace, and let every attack drive you more deeply into dependence upon Jesus.
Taken from For The Family, p. 15
