Monday, November 12, 2018


Protection
By Tracy Smith

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

For Veteran’s Day, I’ve been thinking about our nation’s protectors and all they do for us. Throughout the years, the men and women of our Armed Forces have sacrificed much to keep us safe and free. As I continued thinking about Veteran’s Day and our military, it occurred to me that they could not do their jobs and make the sacrifices they make without the proper tools and protection.

Today’s soldiers do not go into battle without the proper equipment: helmet, eye protection, bulletproof body armor, boots, weapons, armored vehicles, etc. Each one of these tools has a purpose for their protection. Without them, their jobs would be much more difficult, if not impossible.

The same is true in the life of a Christ follower. Our battle is not a battle against human foes, but against those that are not of this world, and we must be prepared. Ephesians 6:12 says, 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.”   Verses 13-17 go on to outline the tools and equipment we have at our disposal to fight the battle.

“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.”

As we start each day, we need to make sure that we are going into battle with all that we need: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

Just as our soldiers would not go into battle without the proper gear, neither should we.


GOING DEEPER:
1.  Which one of the tools mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-17 do you tend to forget you have at your disposal? Will you pray for a change?
2.  Do you know veterans or someone who is currently serving? If so, please use this day to thank them for their service.

FURTHER READING:

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of High School girls.