READ: Ephesians 6.10-11 NLT
'A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.'
Just imagine if someone were to walk onto a battlefield wearing casual clothes and whistling a merry tune to themselves. The thought is absurd. No one would do that. If you knew that you were heading into battle then, obviously, you would go fully equipped. Paul has made it absolutely clear to his readers that they are an Easter People. He has informed them that they have nothing short of the resurrection power of God at work in their lives. But, at the same time, he has reminded them that they are involved in a daily struggle with the powers of evil. Paul’s conclusion, as he draws this letter to an end, is that they must go into every day fully equipped for the battles that they are going to face.
The wonderful truth that Paul shares is that God perfectly equips us for the challenges that we might face. He gives us truth which is like a belt. It keeps everything firmly in place. He gives us a breastplate of righteousness. That is to say because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross our spiritual vital organs are totally protected. Our feet are equipped with the gospel of peace and he gives us a shield which can protect us from all the flaming arrows of the evil one. We’re totally protected.
Because we are an Easter People we can step forward with confidence in God. Whatever the devil might throw at us, we know that we are fully protected. That isn’t to deny the reality of the battle or to suggest that it won’t hurt us at times. But we can be sure that, at the end of the day, however hot and fierce the battle might be, we will still be standing.



QUESTIONS: What part of the armour do you need to put more firmly in place in your life?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank you that you have perfectly equipped me to face every challenge that the devil might throw at me. Help me to put on every piece of the armour that you have lovingly provided for me. Amen

Released on 16 Apr 2021