God’s Armor!

“Put on all of God’s armor” ~Ephesians 6:11

On the surface, Chuck’s life seemed pretty good. Great job, wife and children. He had become a Christian in his early twenties and dedicated his life to understanding God’s will. Most recently, he was honored for his volunteer efforts in establishing a free food distribution system through their church, serving all who need a helping hand. The program grew each year as more and more people and organizations came on board. Yes, Chuck was highly esteemed among men.

“Something is wrong in my life, Bill, I struggle every day with overcoming Satan’s attacks and my own temptations,” Chuck said to his best friend, at their favorite local restaurant. “I feel as though I should have left all this stuff behind and yet the attacks are very powerful. What am I missing?”

Bill was an older man who also loved the Lord and had studied God’s Word intently. “You could be in the same place I once was, Chuck. When I was about your age I had many of the same feelings and struggles with sin and temptation that seemed insurmountable. I don’t mean to say I am never tempted today but there is a major difference now.”

“That sounds encouraging, Bill. What happened to bring about such a change?”

“The answer is simple but the challenge is in obedience and trust. You know what I am about to tell you but you’ve allowed yourself to neglect God’s instructions. You’ve sacrificed many things in your Christian walk, Chuck, but remember that verse in 1 Samuel 15:22, ‘To obey is better than sacrifice.’ And God has taken delight in describing the steps necessary for our victorious position as we fight the spiritual battle daily.”

“I’m on pins and needles, Bill. What am I missing?”

“Ephesians chapter 6! Beginning with verse 10, the apostle Paul, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, writes, ‘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.”

Tears filled Chuck’s eyes as he realized the simplicity and yet the challenge of obeying God’s instructions in this section of Scripture. Bill had opened a door to freedom and vital victory for him.

“And then Paul gets specific, ‘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”

“My friend, God has used you once again to shine His light of truth into my heart this morning. I am so excited to see the changes in my life as I walk in these verses, trusting in my Savior,” said Chuck.

“Praise God, Chuck. I love how God speaks to us through our fellowship. I like to visualize myself putting on the armor of God each morning. The more I take a few minutes walking through the steps outlined in Ephesians, the more powerful and encouraging it seems to be. Let’s pray.