“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.10-18.NLT
The Apostle Paul outlines seven provisions God gives to us to stand firm in this unseen battle. Each one is unique and yet all are connected and necessary.
Reflection
- Rooted in truth: Jesus is the way, truth, and life. The truth begins in a relationship in which knowledge of the truth is added. The unseen battle requires us to have an active relationship with Christ, where we learn and grow in his ways by doing what he has asked us to do.
- Receiving God’s righteousness: We receive the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. Isaiah said our righteousness is like filthy rags. It is not sufficient to stand in battle with. We need the righteousness God gives us. His nature and holiness are meant to be put on in our lives as a protective and proactive way to live effectively in the world today.
- Living with the peace that comes from the good news of Jesus Christ: We are to move about as people of peace in a world where evil pursues chaos, noise, and confusion. This peace is found in the living presence of God flowing through our lives. Showing up in conflict and confusion as a person of peace can de-escalate any conflict or battle.
- Responding to personal attacks with faith in God: Think of faith in God as a force field capable of repelling any attack flung upon us. Our faith gives us the resolve to stand in the battle of life, knowing God is with us and will lead us through.
- Always wear the salvation of Christ: God has saved us through Jesus Christ. This is at the center of our thinking, hearing, and vision. This salvation is meant to inform everything we do and say as we live in the unseen battle.
- The word of God is essential to being able to stand your ground: We see the power of the spoken word from beginning to end in scripture. God spoke creation into being. Jesus spoke words of healing for people and command over creation. This is captured in the written word of God. It is at the core of our learning the nature of God and the book of divine instruction for us in following God.
- Pray in the Spirit at all times; We are meant to cultivate an active conversation with God throughout the day as we dwell every day in this unseen battle. It is meant to strengthen us and give us opportunities to pray for others along the way. God interacts with us, communicates with us, and responds to us in prayer as we see Him bring his resources into our lives as we follow him.
Encouragement
Live your life with these seven provisions to fight with: truth, God’s righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, and prayer, and you will be able to stand firm in this unseen battle.
God is with us, leading and guiding us every step of the way.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
These provisions to stand our ground in the unseen battle are incredible. Thank you.
Help us to fully incorporate all of these generous provisions into our lives every day.
Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice to save us makes all of this possible.
Thank you for the Holy Spirit being with us, leading, guiding, comforting, and encouraging us amid the challenges we see and those we do not in our lives.
Thank you for being faithful and taking such good care of us in both good and bad times.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell