The Armor of God | Day 16 Freedom Season Devotional

 Scripture: Ephesians 6:11
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (NASB)

Ephesians chapter 6 is a familiar passage to many. This is where we are reminded that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of various kinds. We need to keep this in mind when we see chaos erupting in our streets, violence targeting our schools and discord trying to divide our families and communities. 

I just had a conversation with a dear friend who is struggling because her adult daughter holds such strong and emotional opinions about political and social issues that it is wreaking havoc on their relationship. Her daughter has become very angry and accusatory. She wears suspicion, hostility and intolerance like a security blanket. She will not hear any discussion about these things if the other person even might hold a different opinion. More than once she has cut off communication with her mom for a period of time. 

I gently reminded my friend that while the hurtful things coming from her daughter’s mouth sound and feel like a personal attack, they are not. She is dealing with spiritual powers and principalities, and this battle will only be won on that front. It is challenging to not take personally the verbal assaults of people who disagree with us, but it is important to not take on the wound and the offense. That is exactly what the enemy wants. 

To remain unoffendable is not easy, but it is doable. Turn those verbal jabs and hostilities into an opportunity to see more deeply into the heart of the matter and engage in more targeted prayer for that person or group of people. Don’t take the bait of offense. Ephesians 6:13 assures us that as we clothe ourselves in the armor of God, we will be able to resist the enemy and to stand firm in very situation. 

Don’t enter the day unprepared - put on His armor!

Reflection: Which piece of God’s armor do you most need today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to stand firm in Your strength, fully equipped for every spiritual battle. In those situations where the enemy is coming against me, teach me to not allow myself to be triggered into an emotional reaction, but to stand firm in the confidence of Your Holy Spirit. Remind me to put on the full armor You have provided for me. Thank You for your grace. Amen.