Wear Your Armor

There’s a reason Paul tells us to put on the armor of God. We have an enemy who would love nothing more than to extinguish the light God has placed in us.

Think about that for a moment.

Darkness doesn’t have to convince a light to become darkness. It only has to keep it from shining.

Sometimes that happens through discouragement. Other times, through fear.

Distraction, exhaustion, doubt, temptation, and the constant noise of the world around us all are tools the Devil uses to snuff out our light. Satan doesn’t want you to shine. You’re God’s image-bearer, after all.

Ephesians 6:10–18 reminds us to put on the whole armor of God and to stand firm in truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, while remaining prayerful and watchful.

I love that Paul uses the word stand.

Not conquer or fix everything.

Not understand, but stand.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.6.10-20.ESV

Friend, there will be days when your light feels brighter than others and there will be days when you wonder whether anyone even sees it.

Keep standing.

Your light doesn’t belong to you in the first place. It comes from Christ.

So today, before you step into whatever the week brings, put on your armor.