Got Your Armor On?

The battles rage on.  As one battle ends, another begins or soon follows:  

• The battle for Lordship of the heart and mind  
• The battle of temptation, even doubt  
• The battle of sorrow and loss
• The battle of physical or emotional pain
• The battle between Light and dark.  

The war has been won, God won the final victory, still soldiers are called and deployed in many daily battles.
Infinite and Wise Lord God Almighty, gave every Christian soldier an edifying visual in Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:10-19:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”

It is in His power and His alone that victory comes.

The “full armor of God” is a choice to put on or not.  Within that choice lies the strength to take our “stand against the devil’s schemes”.

Just as the armor is not visible, the rulers and powers which make up the struggles are not visible.  People are not the enemy, never have been, but the war that rages in the unseen world.

Again, Paul’s exhortation is for us to “put on” the “full armor of God”.  It is a choice to obey and reap protection and strength. Ground will not be lost when His strength and armor protect.

The soldier of Christ buckles truth around his waist-the center of his body.  The breastplate of righteousness in place, covers the heart and soul-the righteousness that comes only from the blood of Christ Jesus.

Feet ready to march out and share the good news and peace that it brings.  Feet made ready by the courage the good news bestows and the blessed peace which follows.

The flaming arrows of the evil one are comprised of deceit and lies, beginning in the garden.  Faith comes by hearing the message through the Word of Christ, (Romans 10:17).  A shield of faith in God, His power and His promises enables every flaming arrow to be extinguished.

The “helmet of salvation”, protects the soldier’s head.  The mind can be a minefield through which the enemy tries to destroy mind, body, heart and soul.  May the joy of salvation cover and protect the mind of every redeemed soul.

    The “sword of the Spirit, the very word of God, precious and preserved.  A sword can be an offensive weapon as well as defensive.  The sword of the Spirit, is a mighty weapon to meet and defeat the enemy.

“Pray all the time in the Spirit”, a soldier’s direct line to his Commander.  Although war strategies may not be fully revealed to the soldier, confidence in his Leader removes any doubt.  Obedience is not in question when your Commander is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth.  A soldier must be “alert at all times”, and keep in prayer every soldier in the Kingdom, not only the ones in his regiment, but “all saints.”

Paul requested prayer for boldness and language to share the mystery of the gospel.  Kingdom soldiers need the boldness and language to carry the gospel and it’s beautiful mystery to the lost-the world over.”

The enemy would steal every piece of armor available to a soldier of Christ.  The choice is made by each soldier-employ each piece of equipment issued, fight until the final victory is visible.  Faith will be sight one glorious day.

The visual given in Ephesians 6 is easy enough to imagine.  The difficulty begins each moment, rising, remembering to put on the full armor of God, to pray on all occasions and for all the saints.  Soldiers of Christ arise-strong in the strength which God supplies.
(Some additional Scripture with soldier imagery: Philippians 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:3 & 4, Philemon 1:2, Romans 13:14)

Gracious, Merciful Father and God Almighty,
In weakness we come, ready to follow, ready to battle.  Remind us of the mighty courage and  strength You offer, with which to fight this dangerous, ever-prowling enemy of the soul. Thank you, Father, for the beautiful promises that fill your Word.  For the armor You lay before us for our protection and boldness to follow You anywhere.
In the name that paid our costly ransom, Jesus.  Amen  

Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville