Live ready
The Armor of God | Part 1
Every one of us is in a battle.
Some battles are obvious. Others are invisible. You may be facing pressure at work, challenges in your marriage, struggles with your health, concerns about your finances, or battles in your mind. Whatever form it takes, the reality is the same: we are engaged in spiritual warfare.
The good news is that God never intended for His children to fight unprepared.
He has given us everything we need to win.
The Invisible War
The Bible teaches that there is a real spiritual battle taking place around us. There is a good God and a bad devil. The enemy cannot hurt God, so he attacks the people God loves.
That means the struggles we face are often bigger than what we see on the surface.
The battle may appear to be a difficult coworker, a stressful situation, a financial setback, or a family conflict. But behind many natural circumstances is a spiritual battle that requires a spiritual response.
As leaders, we must recognize that we are not simply managing problems. We are fighting battles that require God's wisdom, God's strength, and God's armor.
Preparation Determines Victory
One of the greatest mistakes people make is waiting until they are in a crisis before they prepare.
If you wait until the diagnosis comes, the lawsuit arrives, the marriage begins to fall apart, or the pressure becomes overwhelming, you are already fighting from behind.
Victory is determined long before the battle begins.
I have taught for years that we must put God's Word into our hearts when we do not need it so it will come out when we do.
The leaders who thrive during difficult seasons are the ones who prepared before the storm arrived.
The battles of life reveal our preparation.
Three Foundations for Winning
Before Paul begins describing the individual pieces of armor in Ephesians 6, he establishes three foundational truths that every believer must understand.
1. Relationship with God
Paul begins by saying:
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
Notice that he does not say to be strong in yourself. He does not say to be strong in your experience, your education, your talent, or your resources. He says to be strong in the Lord. The Armor of God is not a formula. It is the provision of a loving Father who desires to help His children win. Many people place more faith in the armor than in the God who gave it. The armor only works when it flows out of an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. This is why daily prayer, Bible reading, worship, and personal devotion are not religious obligations. They are preparation for victory. A strong relationship with God is the first step in putting on the armor.
2. Take Responsibility
Paul says:
"Put on the whole armor of God."
Notice who is responsible.
You are.
God has provided the armor, but He will not put it on for you. Many people spend years blaming circumstances, other people, their upbringing, politics, culture, or bad luck for where they are. But blame never produces victory. Responsibility produces victory. If we are going to win the battles of life, we must make the daily decision to put on God's armor for ourselves.
No one can do it for us.
Not our spouse.
Not our pastor.
Not our parents.
Not our friends.
Every believer must take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth and preparation.
3. Recognize Your Real Enemy
One of the most important lessons leaders can learn is identifying the real enemy. People are not your enemy. The difficult employee is not your enemy. The competitor is not your enemy. The family member who hurt you is not your enemy.
Paul reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood.
Our real enemy is the devil and the spiritual forces that seek to oppose God's purposes in our lives. The enemy's strategy is deception.
He attacks with lies:
“You'll never get better. Your marriage will never work. Your business will never recover. You'll never overcome that habit. You'll never fulfill God's purpose.”
Those thoughts do not come from God. When we recognize the source of the attack, we can stand against it with confidence.
Stand Against the Lies
One word appears repeatedly in Ephesians 6.
“Against.”
Paul tells us to stand against the enemy's schemes. Stand against spiritual opposition. Stand against darkness.
God never called us to surrender.
He called us to stand.
Too many believers tolerate things they should resist. They accept fear when they should stand against it. They accept hopelessness when they should stand against it. They accept defeat when they should stand against it. God has already given us authority in Christ. Now we must exercise it.
Live Ready Every Day
The Armor of God is not something we put on only when trouble arrives. It is a lifestyle. Every day we strengthen our relationship with God. Every day we take responsibility for our spiritual growth. Every day we recognize our real enemy. Every day we prepare ourselves for whatever challenges may come. Leaders who live prepared are leaders who live victorious. The goal is not simply surviving the battle. The goal is winning it.
Leadership Challenge
This week, begin every day by declaring:
"I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
Do not wait until you feel strong. Faith is not based on feelings. Faith is based on God's Word.
As you consistently strengthen your relationship with God, take responsibility for your spiritual life, and stand against the enemy's lies, you will discover that God has already equipped you with everything you need to win.
You are not a victim.
You are not powerless.
You are not fighting alone.
You are equipped, empowered, and prepared to win every battle God has called you to face.