We are in a season as a Church like never before. We have been shut down, masked up, and now there is a growing level of mocking and persecution that is beginning to pick up volume and traction in the media. It is something that I wasn’t thinking I would see in my lifetime.
For years I have studied the armor of God in many different Bible studies, word studies and through different author’s perspectives. I have wanted to understand the application of all of these parts of the Roman armor that Paul references in the verses 10-17 in Ephesians Chapter 6. It is intriguing to me that armor has been used to demonstrate how we should be able to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (v.10).
We can all see what is going on around us, how our Christian faith is being mocked at best, and used as a full force weapon of division in families, and as reason for death in many countries at worst. I am personally in one of those battles in my very own family and choosing to stand is harder than I thought it would be in this very emotional, unexpected space. When we are thinking about how these verses will play out in circumstances, it seems easy to stand, and put on all of the pieces that are referenced. However, in the middle of the assault, how do we STAND FIRM? I want to run towards and explain, defend, and reason with those that are being misled and using my faith against me. My heart is broken, and I know the Lord is with me, but this is HARD.
My first instinct is to explain and defend and share all that I know and all that I want to be known with my family members. I want to understand and be understood. However, this is not what these verses say to do. While there is conflict resolution instructions for us to follow in Matthew 18, when we are in the midst of a battle (and we can clearly see it is NOT against flesh and blood) we have these clear, simple instructions.
Eph 6:10-18 NASB (Bold emphasis mine)
- Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
- Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
- For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
- Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
- Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
- and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
- in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
- And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
- With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
As I read these Scriptures again, through the lens of the current battle before me, I see these words more clearly! Having done everything, stand firm. This reminds me of where I am standing…what am I standing on? I choose to stand firmly on the gospel of Truth, on Jesus Himself as my firm foundation knowing that as I am all armored up in Christ, that He is the One fighting the battles. He is my Defender, and my Advocate, as Holy Spirit. He is also my rear guard (Is 58:8). That shield of faith will extinguish those fiery darts of the enemy. I need only fix my eyes on Him, stand firmly and He will fight this battle too.