I shared in the last e-devotion about the armor of God and the need for every piece, or not to miss putting on any of the pieces. Today I turn to the reason why we need the armor God gives us.
It really is simply. There is a complex battle going on that most people are oblivious to the reality. I ask that for just a few minute minutes that you examine the battle, but look past the skirmishes and see who is at the core of the issue. Just who is the enemy.
Look again at the core of these verses for the enemy and the need of the armor. It seems obvious, but it might be hard to see or understand. It might be too real to look at as well.
Ephesians 6:11-13 NLT
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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. 13 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.
Put on each piece so you won’t want to quit or walk away from the battle. There is a real battle going, yet we may not be able to see it.
Spend some time asking yourself who the enemy is. I say this because too often we mistake the enemy for someone they are not. The enemy is not the person who disagrees with us. The enemy is not our spouse or the person who makes us extremely mad. The enemy is not our boss, or our neighbor, or our ex-best friend.
The real enemy is Satan who is able to hide in the spirit world working in our world all the while distracting us from pursing God. The enemy, as these verses remind us, is not flesh-and-blood. That is where we mess up. We give the enemy a face and a name so we can go after them or avoid them. But the entire time the enemy is having a field day keeping us from really living.
God’s purpose for us is abundance. He wants us to really live life. We glorify Him and enjoy the journey. Letting the enemy have their way keeps us from seeing God, giving God glory and even enjoying the life we have.
So, put on the armor. Why?
So you can stand firm against the strategies of the devil.
So you can resist the enemy when they are coming at you.
So you can keep standing after the battle is done.
Take another look at who you have targeted as the enemy. I think some of us have the target on the wrong one.
It is time to stand firm. The battle is real. Thank God for the armor that gives us the ability to stand firm.
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