“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
Would any soldier go into battle without putting on all of their gear? Do they wait until the battle is raging around them to prepare. Of course not. So do you remember to put on ALL of God’s armor BEFORE going into your daily battles?
The full armor of God consists of the sturdy belt of truth, body armor of righteousness [Eph. 6:14], shoes of peace [Eph. 6:15], shield of faith [Eph. 6:16], helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (the word of God) [Eph. 6:17]. Many of us will just put on a few of the pieces daily and we wonder why we are so easily attacked. The above verse tells us that we have to put on ALL of the armor just to be able to stand firm against the Devil. Just as a soldier never knows when or where the attack will come from, we have to be fully armed to defend ourselves against the Devils attacks.
The first time that a soldier puts on all of their gear, they may think that it is too heavy and wonder why they have to wear all of it. Their ability to move about freely is greatly reduced because they are not used to the weight of the body armor. They may walk more slowly from the weight of the boots. It may be more difficult for them to see or hear fully, due to the helmet. But as they wear the gear it becomes a part of them. The more often and frequently that they have to put it on, the more natural it will become. Then the first time they encounter battle, they will understand the full importance of each part. Just as the soldier struggles in the beginning, you may also struggle to put on the full armor of God daily. But over time it will become a part of you and be easier to wear. Then when the attacks come you will be ready to stand firm.
