Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Reflection
I have always been fascinated by armor and how it evolved over time and became stronger and more protective. I’ve imagined putting it on and bearing its weight and feeling myself safe and protected while wearing it and that nothing would be able to penetrate it. I’ve imagined sitting on a horse with my sword in hand and feeling powerful and strong and safe and I’ve imagined myself next to my comrades in arms preparing to stand up for something and that we would be a force and a strength to reckon with and how the armor we wore would help to keep us safe and to fight the battle again the next day.
Perhaps that is why this verse has always been one that I’ve liked and that I’ve identified with as it reminds me how every day I am wearing the best armor in the world as it is one that God has prepared and strengthened and provided to us and that He will keep us safe and helps protect us as we proclaim His name. I know that no matter what burden I may be fighting that each and every day I am armed by God and his strength will protect me and keep me safe