Battle Armor

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God.... Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always. (Eph. 6:13-18)

Please allow me to paint a picture in your mind: Many Bible scholars agree that Paul wrote the epistle to the Ephesian church from a prison cell.

Picture that...day after day, night after night, he sees the same picture...every time he raises his head to look around...every time he stirs from his sleep...every time he has a request...he sees a Roman soldier.

What an imposing picture. Standing tall and strong, he is a picture of victory and power and authority. But what made this Roman soldier so imposing and invincible? It was his armor.

With that picture imprinted on his memory, Paul wrote to the church and informed them that while there was a battle going on, their victory was dependent upon them putting on the whole armor of God.

Just as the Roman soldiers were always ready and prepared to face the enemy through the strength of their armor, the Christian must understand that we can always be ready and prepared to face our enemy, if we put on the armor that God has provided for us.

The next time you face the attack of the enemy, follow these instructions: Put on the whole armor of God.

Put on the "Helmet of Salvation," so you can THINK like you are saved.

Put on the "Breastplate of Righteousness," so you can ACT like you are saved.

Put on the "Belt of Truth," so you can TALK like you are saved.

Put on the "Good News Shoes," so you can WALK like you are saved.

Pick up the "Shield of Faith," so you can TRUST like you are saved.

Pick up the "Sword of the Spirit," so you can FIGHT like you are saved.

Finally, Pray, Pray, Pray.

God has provided armor for your protection and for your victory, so use it. Wear it. But always remember one thing...God did not provide any armor for your backside...that's because He never intended for you to run or retreat.

Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the "Warrior Spirit."