“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor 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.” Ephesians 6:10-13
Oswald Chambers wrote, “These verses are not a picture of how to fight, but of how not to fight. If you have not put on the armour, you will have to fight; but ‘having put on the whole armour of God, then stand’, says Paul. There are times when God’s servants are sent out to attack, to storm the citadel, but the counsel given here is as to how we are to hold the position which has been gained.”
The greatest thing we have gained, is Christ… and that is where me must stand. “Build your house on the Rock.” “Be rooted in Christ.” “Remain in Me.” God knows our safe Position… and so does Satan.
The strategy of the enemy is to get us to take our eyes off of what is most important. I’ve confessed how quickly ‘the important things’ have seemed less important as health comes back and the storm lessens. But are the important things really less important? And if the most important thing is that we abide in Christ and know Him as Lord and Friend, then will the enemy not try to deceive? “How ridiculous to think simply standing in Christ is most important! Don’t believe such foolishness!” And if he can’t diminish our Saviour with the voices of a fallen world, then he will attack with the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. And if he can’t cause us to sin, then he will try to knock us off the Rock by circumstances or heartache or difficulty. But in God’s armor, clothed with His power, we can stand.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:14-18