There has been SO much stress, fear and hopelessness invading our atmosphere. How do we empower ourselves and those around us to rise above all of this?
We must dress for the occasion.
We can’t go onto a basketball court with dress shoes. We can’t go onto a football field with a boa and some sneakers. We can’t perform in a dance recital without our costume. There is proper attire, a dress code requirement in order to be successful. And, different for each situation.
Then, why do we expect that we can get dressed in just any ole, wrinkled thing and be successful in our daily lives? Blue jeans may not matter, but dressing the real me does.
Ephesians 6:10-13 states
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Picture “wiles” as unfair and WILD fighting. Pulling hair, slapping, scratching, kicking, biting, and sneaky, etc.) See it?
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.”
It goes on to tell us exactly what the Armor consists of:
The Belt of Truth
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Sandals of Peace
The Shield of Faith
The Helmet of Salvation
The Sword of the Spirit
And, Prayer
God does not want us confused or missing anything. And, He further instructs us in that we must put on the WHOLE Armor.
We cannot put on some pieces of the armor and not the others…not if we want true Victory. Not if we want to Stand. Each one of these pieces has a specific purpose and protects specific areas of our person that would otherwise be open and vulnerable to attack.
God wants to protect you and me. He does not leave us helpless and without the ability to Win. He has supplied His Strength, the Power of His Might, AND His Armor.
So, get dressed. When the smoke clears, God’s intent and will is that you are standing!!