Did you wake up this morning aware that you are in a war? Did it cross your mind during breakfast that when you walk out your front door you are going into a battle? Paul reminded the Ephesian brethren to make sure they got dressed for their battle, and you must make similar preparations for yours.

You are at war, Christian! It is a spiritual war for the most important thing you own...your soul. Christ died to save it. Satan will stop at nothing to devour it. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

Do you know the enemy? He is described as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). He is known as the serpent of old in Revelation 12:9 who caused the fall of man. There is someone out there who wants to destroy you. He does not show mercy to the weak. He does not hold back on children or the elderly. He will do whatever it takes to get to you. Consider the story of Job. Satan took away Job’s wealth, killed his children and struck him with morbid boils all over his body. Satan wanted Job and stopped at nothing, within his authorized power, to destroy the man. He wants to do the same to you!

Take heart! “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). Not only will God not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able (I Cor. 10:13), but He has given you His armor for this fight. Ephesians 6:11 says to “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

The belt of truth. This holds every other piece together. Without it, the other pieces of the armor would be worthless. The enemy has successfully been able to deceive soldiers into leaving this piece off. They were easy prey. By strapping this on tight, you will have a way to defend against the father of lies!

The breastplate of righteousness. You had better protect your heart with this piece! “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Keep your heart pure and protected.

The shoes of the gospel of peace. The enemy does not want people to be saved. Put this piece of armor on with the attitude of rescuing the fallen. “How beautiful...” says Romans 10:15 of this piece.

The shield of faith. Fiery darts will be coming at you. You will definitely want to build this piece up as you prepare for the evil day. With this piece, soldiers of old have “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33,34).

The helmet of salvation. Did you know the outcome of the war has already been determined? It is certain that Satan has been defeated (Rev. 20:10). It is certain that those who endure will be victorious in the Lord (Rev. 21:7). The enemy will feed you lies and uncertainty. He will confuse and deceive you so that your thoughts become unclear. I John 5:13 assures the Christian “that you may know that you have eternal life.” Protect your thoughts with this piece of armor.

The sword of the Spirit. This weapon has been used by every man and woman of valor in God’s army of believers. Even the Son of God used this piece skillfully in an epic battle with Satan, as recorded in Matthew 4. However, be careful! The enemy knows this weapon and can mishandle it against you if you do not wield it aright.

The prayers of the saints. Don’t forget to always do this. It is your communication with home. It is your call for aid. It is your comfort, assurance and hope. Though not a piece you put on, it should be used before, during and after every battle.

Since God has already defeated Satan, your goal is merely to withstand his assault. Resist him and he will flee from you (James 4:7). After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and answered Satan, he left. After Job’s faith in God was tested, Satan left and God restored to Job what Satan took from him.

“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” (Eph. 6:13). When is your evil day? A lion will sneak up on its prey and catch it by surprise. We don’t always know in advance when our faith will be confronted. We don’t know which wile Satan will use to attack us. So, we better be ready everyday. What soldier is there that will go to battle without first putting on his armor?

Make sure you get dressed everyday!

---Michael Cawthon