EPHESIANS 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
TO PONDER
When I played cricket, we had a weapon to repel that hard cricket ball coming at us. The weapon was a bat. If you had a good eye, that’s all you needed. The bat stopped the ball getting you out or hitting you. But if you didn’t have a good eye, there was more amour available. I was very thankful then for pads to protect your legs, a thigh-pad, padded gloves, and later in life, a helmet. There were a couple of other protective pieces of equipment that could be used if you were a little wary of the opposition. In the competitive world or sport, this gear protects you from the enemy.
As followers of Jesus, we also have some protection against the enemy. And one of the best items of amour is the Word. The Word of God withstands all bombardment. When the pastors of Lifeway do a pre-baptism visit, we encourage the families to know, and repeat The Lord’s Prayer (or the Our Father) out loud, whenever they are in strife, or can’t sleep, or are tempted.
It's a good reminder that the closer we are to God, the further we are from the devil. It’s an easy piece of amour to have close to you.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the amour you provide for us when the going gets tough. Keep reminding us that with that protection, you have our back, you are in control, and you will lead us through the battle. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping