Armor Up!

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. — Ephesians 6:11 ESV

Scuba diving is a popular beach excursion, and every diver wears the appropriate equipment in order to survive while exploring underwater worlds. The mask protects your eyes and clarifies your view. The scuba regulator transfers air from the scuba tank to your mouth. The fins or flippers help you swim and navigate efficiently, and the wet suit warms and protects your skin. Each piece of equipment helps ensure a successful visit to under-the-sea wonders.

Similarly, each part of the armor Paul described in Ephesians 6:14-17 is necessary to help us successfully complete God’s mission in our lives.

God has made us the ambassadors of His redemption story

— a bold move, as we are often weak on our own. Our personal inadequacy alerts us to armor up, so we put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. This precious covering, these spiritual tools, aid us in deflecting the darts of the enemy so we can bring forth God’s plans and kingdom.

This armor doesn’t weigh us down; it enables us to thrive in our mission to minister the kingdom of light. Like scuba divers jumping into watery depths, we use the proper gear so we can thwart evil “schemes” and reveal God’s plan of redemption.

• Just as you would never travel underwater without scuba equipment, don’t take the Gospel into the world without the armor of God.

Father, give me the tools I need to be an effective part of Your good plan for creation, prepared to outplay the evil one.

Excerpted with permission from Devotions from the Beach, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. — Ephesians 6:14-17

Are you armed for your mission today? Let’s memorize Ephesians 6:14-17 today and practice girding ourselves to thrive in ministry! Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily