My Dad painted this picture years ago and it has hung in our home since I was a kid. It now hangs where I can see it every day. One night Dad and I were looking at it and he said, “You know, I’ve always thought that was a man but now I think it could be a woman in armor—like you.” I can’t help but look at this picture and hear him reminding me to suit up for battle daily. It’s not a suggestion my friend. It’s an order from our commander if we want to win the war.
Ephesians 6:10-18 says, “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 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 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.”
If you need a visual to help remind you to suit up as you take your stand against all the enemy is trying to pull in your life, I pray Dad’s painting is a reminder that YOU have been given all you need to win. Stand firm. Follow your Commander’s lead and trust His Word as your knock-out punch to extinguish the fiery darts being thrown your way. You are not defeated! Press on and see the salvation of the Lord. When you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, YOU are on the side of the One who has already won.
