Fighting Unprotected
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Every day in which we live upon this earth, we will be attacked by the “schemes of the devil”. How do I know this to be truth? Well, the Word of God states it very clearly for us in Ephesians 6:10-11. It’s yet another example of why I respect and honor the Lord so much. He is honest and forthright. He never tricks us or manipulates us as the enemy does. Instead He ALWAYS tells us exactly what to expect and what to do when specific things happen.
God gives us a clear picture of the areas we must protect in order to “take our stand” and overcome the devil’s never ending attacks. First comes “the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness” which both protect the body’s core or in other words the heart and soul. These are mentioned first due to the fact that the enemy attacks here most frequently. These are the two areas he desires most desperately in order to take you from the palm of God’s hand.
Next we see “your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”. Our feet are essential for they take us forward in life. If they are not ready and planted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, how will we know the direction to take or more importantly which way to go in order to turn from the temptations the devil constantly lies before us?
God continues on by giving us direct orders to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”. I love this mental image for I know these flaming arrows all too well as they hit me all throughout my day. What a joy to know God has given me a shield which these lies, accusations, and fears cannot penetrate but instead will guard me!
And in the end of His instructions we are told to “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. Our minds are continually under attack, often times even while we sleep. When we focus our minds on the salvation we have received through the death and resurrection of Jesus the attacks cannot touch us.
Finally, God gives us a sword which is the only weapon He offers. Have you ever noticed that? God gives us multiple protective pieces but only one weapon for which to defend ourselves from our attacker and that sword is the living Word of God. We will never defeat the devil through our own power, wisdom, or plan, for He is more powerful, wise, and cunning than we could ever hope to be, BUT… we have something he lost which is a relationship with the Father, the Creator of the universe, our Deliverer, our Protector, our Provider, and our Savior! When we actually listen to God’s instructions we will never be defeated but instead be victorious through Him who lives in us.
