Attitudes and Vicissitudes
God gives us a full suit of armor, not so we can rush out to the battlefield, but so we are able to “stand” without wavering, allowing Him to win the battle for us. Remember, our crisis moments are old news for our Savior,
and He is the answer to the way through. He’s got us covered!
Our Creator could have washed His hands of us when the only two people on Earth decided that their way was the better way and ate the forbidden fruit in the garden. As an alternative, way back there while we were still spirit without form, He put into motion a way to redeem us from our mind, moods, and attitudes.
As Christians trusting in God who is bigger than weights of turmoil that could kill us, our warfare is not with flesh and blood (that person who did you wrong), but it’s a spiritual war fought in the heavens. We take aim with God by standing on His Word during and through situations, believing that He is the Way and the Truth over what we cannot see.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:12—13 (NLT).
Putting on the full armor of God is the only valid protection against the wiles of the enemy (fear), who tries to steal the victory over all we stand for. No joke—this is a real battle! You don’t want to show up for it without complete defenses.
God’s Armor
Spiritual warfare is a heart-to-heart between us and our Father that carries a greater weight than anything that we could ever go through. Grace is more important and more powerful than any burden we could ever experience, or fear we could ever imagine.
Our Tools
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14–17 (NLT).
Their Benefits
Victory, breakthrough, freedom, deliverance, revelation, judgment, and healing.
Application
The belt of truth is truthfulness and integrity in our heart. The breastplate (armor) of righteousness clears us from condemnation and erases our sin. The shoes of peace refer to our walk with Jesus, one of rest, harmony, and security. This shield of faith is daily trusting in God’s Word, leaning on Him with confidence in wilderness seasons and seeking Him when our emotions collide. The helmet of salvation is assurance from God that our past is covered, our present is changing, and our future is guaranteed. The sword of the Spirit is the One who can change our hearts and cut away any attributes not reflecting Christ.
Then, after we suit up, we are told to cover all things in prayer. Prayer is the piece that ignites the armor of God and the enemy must flee!
Excerpt from: Illusions Against Faith – God Knows What Needs Fixing, page 111, Author Gayle Smith
