Trade in Your Stiletto’s for Some Armor

We all have that one outfit that we absolutely love, maybe more. It may be a certain dress that we feel pretty in, a favorite t-shirt, or maybe it’s the infamous yoga pants when binge-watching on Netflix. Whatever it is, stilettos or sweat pants, we have that one outfit that makes us feel a certain way, from confident and powerful to comfy and cozy.

Whatever your preference, there is one outfit you need to have if you don’t already. Complete with accessories – hat, belt, and of course we can’t forget the shoes. Some of you wear it daily. Some put it on from time to time and forget it in the closet. My friend, this outfit is a must-have. Want to know where you can find it? Ephesians 6:11-18.

“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 the 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. 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 of 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.”

There is a spiritual battle going on around us and Satan wants nothing more than to take us down. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.” And he wants to destroy you, your family, your marriage, your church, nothing is off limits. This is not a battle we can fight on our own. But we have been given spiritual armor to be able to stand firm in the midst of the battle.

So how do we fight in a battle that we can’t see? We first need to realize who the real enemy is. And let me tell you, it’s not your spouse. As imperfect as they are, and lets face it, so are we, they are not your enemy. Satan loves to push us to hyper-focus on their imperfections and cause irritability. How they didn’t pay attention to us when we were talking, how they left the toilet seat up again for the umpteenth time. Why do they have to breathe through their nose like that, or snore like a freight train?  And God help us, but is there a megaphone attached to their mouth that makes them chew their food so darn loud?! (Of course, none of this describes my husband! 😉

Sometimes this invisible battle can be clearly seen right in front of us. It may be a battle you’ve been fighting for quite some time. A broken relationship, an addiction, an illness, insert the name of your battle. And I know there are days when you feel that with one more hit, you’re done for. The enemy loves to whisper thoughts of hopelessness and thoughts of defeat. Thoughts of “how could a loving God allow this to happen?” Thoughts to steal your joy, kill your spirit, and destroy your faith.

We have been given weapons to help us stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. It’s up to us if we choose to use them. God’s word provides direction that leads to victory. No soldier in his right mind would head off to battle without preparation, a strategic plan and the right armor. Only then can he advance in confidence, prepared and ready to fight.

Are you prepared for battle? Pick up the weapons you have readily available to you and prepare to use them. Read your Bible and study it, drawing closer to Christ, becoming more like him. Surround yourself with others who do the same. Pray continuously throughout the day for God’s leading and protection. Put on your armor, get ready for battle, stand firm in the faith and fight!