Equipped for Victory
Duane Vander Klok
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
The Christian life is not a passive existence but a daily battle. The enemy of our souls, the devil, is constantly looking for ways to deceive, distract, and ultimately destroy our faith. We can keep this from happening by equipping ourselves with the spiritual armor God makes available to us.
The armor of God is not just a metaphor. It is a divine provision that enables us to stand against the enemy’s tactics. When we put on this armor, we are not only shielding ourselves — we are being equipped for battle. The armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all of which are essential in resisting the enemy’s schemes.
The belt of truth holds everything together, keeping us firmly grounded in the truth of God’s Word. The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts, reminding us that our identity is rooted in Christ. The shoes of the gospel of peace give us stability, enabling us to walk confidently in God’s promises. The shield of faith extinguishes the fiery darts of doubt and fear, while the helmet of salvation guards our minds against lies. Finally, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is our offensive weapon, cutting through deception with the power of truth.
To stand against the enemy, you must be vigilant. Putting on the armor is being committed to living your faith, immersing yourself in scripture, and staying in constant communication with God through prayer.
The devil’s schemes are relentless, but so is the power of God within you. When you actively wear this armor, you won’t only survive—you will be able to thrive in the victory that Jesus secured for you!