EHP Day 48-Equipped By God to Stand Firm
Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Soldiers readily understand these verses. We non-combatants, not so much. Today’s modern warrior carries at least 60 lbs. of gear, up to 90 lbs. The base uniform, gloves, boots, glasses, body armor protecting the side, groin, collar, the helmet, his/her weapon, ammo. Add a gear-filled rucksack, plus electronics, batteries, and the list goes on (we haven’t mentioned chemical protection gear). Needing to strike the balance between sufficient protection and being overburdened, soldiers need to fight, stand, survive, prevail. It’s life or death.
Today’s Christians often head into daily battle unarmed and flippantly unprotected. Gear is provided; we simply neglect to suit up. Yet one can hardly miss our orders. “Take up the whole armor of God.” When strapped on, “you may be able to withstand (survive and prevail) in the evil day.” Paul is confident that any believer can stand firm when the truth of God holds together (as with a belt) all the equipment. That a commitment to righteous living can shield the vital organs. That the gospel which puts us at peace with God provides boots for tromping through any battle. Solid faith can extinguish arrows lobbed in with destroying fire. Knowing we are rescued (saved) and will be rescued protects our minds. Using the Spirit’s Word—a nimble weapon—for close infighting with a pressing enemy.
Gear up! Think about God’s truth, live rightly, handle attacks with faith, square up with stable footing embedded in the truth of the gospel. Think and fight with confidently memorized, applied Scripture. Gear up, every day! It’s life or death.
Journal Notes