God is such a good Father, He didn't leave His children defenceless in times of war. The Israelites in the Old Testament saw the Lord God fighting for them so fiercely that at times, Israel didn't need to slash an enemy with the sword. David saw God's might and silenced Goliath's constant taunting, defeating a seasoned warrior using a mere slingshot. These, and many other times, show us that God is always fighting for us.
But are we fighting for Him?
There are times when temptations come, and come fiercely. 1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are."
Friend, we must stand strong and take arms against the enemy! Here are some defences that you can use against the enemy's attacks, according to Ephesians 6.
1. Belt of truth
The belt holds the armour together. In our present-day clothing, it holds the pants up, covering our private parts, or the parts that are more vulnerable. Following this logic, we should understand that the truth of God's Word is what holds us up together in one piece! Have you ever wondered why the serpent twisted the truth of God's command to Adam so that he could deceive Eve? It's because when we don't have the truth as our foundation, we easily fall. The Lord Jesus said, "The truth will make you free." So know the truth and buckle yourself up with it!
2. Breastplate of righteousness
We all know that no one is righteous, but that we are made righteous in Christ because of Him. It is Christ's righteousness that must guard our heart! Ask yourself: Have you allowed self-righteousness or pride to reign in you, or is it Christ's humbling righteousness in there?
3. Sandals of the gospel of peace
Footwear is very important. When we walk barefoot on streets riddled with broken glass bottles and other dangerous debris, chances are we will get injured. The gospel of peace with God in Christ protects us from the dangerous litter of unholiness and compromise that is found all around us. Be an ambassador of Christ, and not one who indulges himself in the world!
4. Helmet of salvation
Always let the salvation that Christ bought for you protect your mind. The devil loves to condemn, for he is called the "accuser of the brethren." The Bible tells us that we overcome him "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." It is the atoning work of Christ on the cross that sets us free and breaks the sin and shame reigning in our former lives!
5. Sword of the Spirit
Perhaps the only offensive item listed in the arsenal, the Word of God is a very effective weapon, a "double-edged sword" that will help us cut through the thicket of the enemy's lies, the entangling cords of sin and deception, and the bondages that tie us down. Master the use of God's Word. Study it, and wield it mightily in the power of the Holy Spirit!
The Bible also says that we must accompany all of these with prayer, which is our lifeblood.
