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Apr 28, 2023 18:30pm

The Whole Armor of God

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I would never!

Have you caught yourself saying that? Good grief, I know I have! I am so confident in my decisions, character and stance that I would never do certain things.

Pictures were beginning to pop up on my instagram feed and I remember showing one of the students in my class. “Are these really coming back?” I exclaimed in disgust. “I actually like high-waisted jeans”, they replied with a shrug.

What?! Eww. No! We’ve been there, done that! The 90s came and went! No more should high-waisted jeans be a thing! Some things should just stay in the past! “Well”, I said to myself, “you won’t catch me wearing those things. Gag!”

One year later… “I really like how these high-waisted jeans fit.”

As trivial as fashion may be, my point is that we can be so sure of our stance on something and vehemently argue that we will NEVER do something.

But how often do we find ourselves in that very position where we are now a part of or are promoting what we once stood against?

Peter knows your pain all too well.

“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.” (Mark 14:27-31)

Peter. The trusted advisor and friend to Jesus. The self-appointed bodyguard and lookout, Peter was known for his bold attitude and fierceness. He took a stance to defend Jesus no matter what. At all cost, he would be by the side of his friend, master, and Lord.

But Jesus told him otherwise. Peter couldn’t believe it. There was no way he would ever deny Jesus! No matter what Jesus said, Peter could not imagine ever doing that!

But he did.

Did he lose his faith? Why couldn’t he stand up for Jesus in those moments?

Far too often, we trust in ourselves and our own power to try to withstand the powerful attacks that come against us. But we will fail when we try to arm ourselves with our own strength. We must instead be armed by the Holy Spirit.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:11-17)

We must put on the whole armor of God as we prepare for battle each day. Attacks will come, persecution will happen, trials and tests will occur, but in our own strength we will fail.

Put on the whole armor of God. We need it today.