Put on the full armor!
“When you're facing any kind of spiritual battle, remember you're not fighting it alone – you have God's armor!” writes college professor and author Karen Jensen. “When you're wearing His armor, you can experience victory in every area of your life (Ephesians 6:13-18). Here are some ways to use the armor to dress for spiritual battle.”
Put on the full armor!
Truth! “First in your armor you have your ‘loins girt about with truth,’ God's Word is truth!” writes Jenson. In her book, Why God Why?: What To Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense, she points out how the Bible provides God’s guidelines for your life, the path for you to follow.
Put on the full armor!
A Lamp? Psalm 119:105 says the Bible is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Right now, you and I can’t see down the whole path for our life – the future is in darkness. But God’s Word is a light to that darkness; it can show us the way to go. The Word gives you a “vision” for what your life is supposed to look like. It teaches you how to walk this life of a Christian, and also shows you how to walk out God’s specific plan for you.
Put on the full armor!
The Breastplate of Righteousness! Another part of our armor is the breastplate of righteousness, writes Jensen in Why God Why? “You are righteous in Christ Jesus – not because of what you've done, but because of what He's done! (2 Cor. 5:21). In Christ, you have right-standing with God. Put that breastplate on every day!”
Put on the full armor!
The Gospel of Peace! Jensen continues: Then, when you put "the gospel of peace" on your feet, you're ready to “go ye” into all the world to proclaim the Gospel – the Good News – to everyone you meet. The greatest spiritual battle on earth is the battle for souls, and you and I have cure for lost souls: Jesus! Proclaim His gospel of peace everywhere you go by telling people He loves them and died to save them.
Put on the full armor!
The Shield of Faith! “In my book, Why God Why? I also talk about using "the shield of faith," writes Jensen. She is a mom, author and instructor at Rhema Bible Training College. “Faith is simply believing what God has said, and it comes from hearing the Word of God over and over (Romans 10:17). In the midst of a spiritual battle, you can trust God to take care of you! He’ll never let go of you. Don’t doubt Him. He wants you to trust Him so He can do miracles for you and promote you. Believing Him is how we hold up the shield of faith again the enemy's fiery darts.”
Put on the full armor!
The Helmet of Salvation! You are also clothed with "the helmet of salvation," which was bought and paid for you by the blood of Jesus. Salvation provides you with everything you need, every day of your life. There's never a moment you're outside His watchful care (Hebrews 7:25).
Put on the full armor!
The Sword of the Spirit! Jensen continues: Next is the only offensive weapon of your armor, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." When you're going through a spiritual battle, don't leave your sword in its sheath -- take it out and swing it at the enemy! What does that mean? It means to speak the Word (Mark 11:23). Don't face the devil with your mouth closed – speak the Word! And don't forget the last piece of armor which is prayer. In Why God Why? I talk about how God is still a prayer-answering God. He will answer your prayers for big things and small things! John 16:24 says, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” Your Heavenly Father wants you to ask. He wants to fill you with joy through answered prayer!
