One of the scriptures that has seriously impacted me is found in Ephesians 6:10-20, especially verse 13. These are the scriptures that talk about putting on the whole armor of God and then describes each piece in that armor and the reason for its inclusion. Paul tells us what each piece of the armor is designed to do and how we should be using it.
It starts out in verse 10 by saying ‘Finally…’ To me that is indicating the end, the last instructions. Finally. After all has been said and done…. finally. Then in verse 13 he says, “… and having done all, to stand.” This is what caught my eye. You have the armor on, you are withstanding against the forces of evil and now…. you stand. What an incredible image!
We are instructed to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are to be strong but the power is in Him – we don’t need to be powerful on our own. And then Paul begins to talk about standing and identifying our enemies – not flesh and blood. Our war is against a much more insidious enemy. But we are equipped.
When Paul describes the armor, to me it pictures a person who is/has: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, the shield of faith, salvation, and the Word. And if you notice, these pieces of the armor cover all the vulnerable spots. With such an arsenal and with such protection we are more than prepared. Therefore, all we need do is….. stand.
