“Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:10-18
Devil schemes. Rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness. The evil day. All circumstances. All the flaming darts. Paul’s admonition was not to fear, or dread, or cower, or flee, but to stand firm against all of these. He knew them, having endured suffering and hardship beyond most humans’ imagining. But he knew even better the triumph of securing and utilizing the full armor of God. (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)
Not some, but all. Some flaming darts we recognize, others we don’t see, or think impossible. We know the blatant temptations of mind and flesh, the caustic sting of false accusation or gritty criticism, the pesky doubts and haunting fears, the damp of discouragement and darkness of depression. But we can be oblivious to the eating away at resolve, the slow wane of fidelity, or the subtleties of manipulation, niggling tension, or loosening morals. The enemy lures to gradual declines we’re too busy or distracted to notice.
Yet, we must be on the alert and at the ready. His darts pelt our confidence. They puncture security. They inflict burning and pain in plans and relationships. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, so his weapons are intentionally destructive and disabling. He fully intends to dismantle faithfulness, corrupt righteousness, swerve us off course, and undermine commitment. It is vital we prepare each day both to defend and attack. The armor of God meets every wile and protects every target. (John 10:10)
How aware are we of the raging unseen battle? When and how do we secure each peace of armor and take up God’s weapons? Greater is our God than the devil! (1 John 4:4)
“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.” ~Martin Luther (1529)
My Victor, fix my armor and firm my stand to meet and defeat the enemy’s fiery darts, to Your praise.
As the rain and snow 