FULL ARMOUR OF GOD
"Therefore put on the full armour 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." Ephesians 6:13
In the valley stood a ten-foot-tall giant, bellowing out threats against God's people and mocking their God. "Send one man out to fight me," he roared. "If I win, you will serve us. If he wins, we will be your slaves."
If the physical presence of Goliath wasn't daunting enough, the stakes for Israel were. It would be an all-or-nothing fight for the future of the people. On top of that, he mocked God. The fight would be a showdown between the giant's pagan gods and the God of Israel. Courageous David decided to face the monster. King Saul, looking at David's physical disadvantage, insisted the young man take his armour.
But David knew the spiritual battle was more crucial than the physical battle. Faith in God, not superior weaponry, would be his salvation. David stepped out in the name of God, and the giant fell.
Most of us are so focused on our physical circumstances that we fail to see the basic spiritual challenges before us. We spend our energies trying to make ends meet. We exhaust ourselves by constant activity. We are so distracted and frightened by what we see that we miss our chance to slay the giant. Instead, we find his foot on our neck.
Christian attempts to live victoriously in Christ when in a hostile environment could become frightening if we did not believe that God provides for us in every trial. The sovereign God of eternity knew every kind of attack the enemy would use before time began.
And He has provided His spiritual armour: His Word, Prayer and the Holy Spirit
so that we might be victorious when these attacks come against us. God has equipped you as a servant-soldier of Jesus Christ with these spiritual weapons, the resources you need to defeat the enemy and gain great victories for His kingdom.
Paul instructed Christian converts to put on the impenetrable armour of God coverings God provides so that we can stand victorious in every situation we face as we move forward confidently in the work God has called us to do. He also understood it to be a protective covering for the mind and spirit, ensuring that injuries to the body will not embitter or destroy the soul.
Response: Today I will take advantage of all the spiritual armour God provides for me to stand strong.
Prayer: Help me Lord to not try and fight spiritual battles in my own strength but with the resources You freely provide.
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THE WARRIOR'S PRAYER
"Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11
The Bible clearly says to use the full armour. We usually feel we are doing okay if we have most of the pieces of armor in place. Yet, if even one piece is missing, we have a weak spot where Satan can injure us, causing us to lose ground rather than standing firm. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The New Living Translation in Ephesians 6:11 puts it this way;
"Put on all of God's armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."
It further says in verse 13, "Use every piece of God's armour to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm."
Response: Today I will put on the full armour of God to stand strong against Satan's darts of doubt, denial and deceit.
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"The Warrior's Prayer"
Heavenly Father, Your warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armour of God!
I put on the Belt of Truth. May I stand firm in the truth of your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan's lies.
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness. May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.
I put on the Sandals of Peace. May I go out and proclaim the good news of the Gospel so your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith. May I be ready to deflect Satan's fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation. May I keep my mind focused on you so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit. May the two-edged sword of your Word be ready in my hands so I can use it to take authority over the Enemy.
By faith, your warrior has put on the whole armour of God. I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory. Amen.
"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Proverbs 10:25
Source: STANDING STRONG THROUGH THE STORM (SSTS) A daily devotional message by Paul Estabrooks © 2010 Open Doors International. http://www.opendoorsusa.org/
