Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-20
Listen to Today’s Devotional
Today’s Devotional
Recently, my mom gave me a play-by-play of a surprising confrontation she saw on a live webcam feed from a watering hole in Africa. The Gemsbok, a large antelope, has horns that can be more than two feet long, making it a formidable animal that doesn’t seem to scare easily. That is, unless it comes across a group of brave and rowdy ostriches.
The lead ostrich, which was taller than its foes, shook its large feathers, roared, and stomped toward three Gemsbok, causing them to flee.
“I guess they didn’t realize how powerful their horns are,” I said to my mom.
Believers in Jesus can forget the power we have when faced with attacks from our spiritual enemy, Satan. We have the Holy Spirit who lives inside us (Romans 8:11) and the armor of God to help us: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). Satan wants to challenge our belief in God’s Word, question our identity in Christ, and tempt us to sin.
But we can stand strong because God’s armor includes “the belt of truth, . . . the breastplate of righteousness, . . . the shield of faith, . . . the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (vv. 14-17).
When the enemy attacks us with feelings of fear, condemnation, or despair, let’s remember we’re God’s children and are well equipped to stand strong.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you sometimes forget to use the armor of God? How can you stand firm in your battles?
Dear God, thank You for giving me Your divine protection.
Learn more about the armor of God by watching this video.
Today’s Insights
Speaking to gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Jesus (Ephesians 2:11-12), Paul uses the metaphor of a Roman soldier’s armor—compelling imagery for that audience. Although drawing on militaristic imagery to highlight a struggle against “the powers of this dark world” (6:12), the apostle also emphasizes that this isn’t a fight against human beings—“against flesh and blood”—but against “spiritual forces of evil” (v. 12). It’s a conflict in which believers follow our suffering Savior, who died out of love to reveal “the gospel of peace” (v. 15). He’s equipped us with spiritual armor (vv. 10-17) so we can stand strong when we face spiritual battles.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 