A special thanks to my friend Jessica for sharing her photos with me to use on the blog!

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 ESV

We’ve spent the past six weeks looking at the individual pieces of the Armor of God:

So, we’ve got the armor on, but now what? 

We put on all the pieces

• “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 ESV

• “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13 ESV

We stand firm

• “. . . that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13 ESV
• “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. . . ” Ephesians 6:14 ESV

We pray

• “. . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. . . ” Ephesians 6:18 ESV

We remember that we’re not standing alone.

Angel Armies

God doesn’t just give us armor and then wish us good luck as we trudge through the battlefield of life. Psalm 91:9-12 tells us that He sends His angels to protect us: “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place – the Most High, who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear your up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.“

The book of 2 Kings tells of a warring encounter between Israel and Syria. The servant of the prophet Elisha was anxious (and rightfully so) when he awoke to find the city surrounded by the Syrian army. But Elisha answered: “’Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17 ESV)

How cool is it that God surrounds us with His angel armies, even when we can’t see them!

We are not alone!

Other Believers

Roman soldiers practiced moving together and forming human barricades to intimidate and conquer their enemies.

It’s been awhile since I was part of a human barricade (probably during youth group), but I know for sure that believers gathering together scares the devil, because God is there: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 ESV

We do not stand alone, and God gave us relationships to give us support and keep us focused on Him: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24 ESV

We are not alone!

Stand Up

The power to resist the devil doesn’t come just from putting on the armor – it comes from God’s strength: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 ESV

But we have to stand:

• Consciously
• Deliberately
• Daily

And relying on God’s strength will make us stand – when we don’t anticipate a positive outcome, when we dread being in an uncomfortable environment, and when we just don’t want to get out of bed.

Study, learn, and remember His truth – You are not a soldier alone!

Check out this song: “Whom Shall I Fear”

How are you engaging in an army of believers? (I’m attending a summer Sunday school class for ladies studying the Book of Luke.)

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 ESV