by Dr. Charles Stanley
Saturday February 25, 2006
Dressed for the
We start our day by dressing appropriately for the weather or an activity. But many believers leave the house unprepared — they fail to arm themselves for spiritual warfare. Our first prayer before rising should include step-by-step application of God’s armor.
First, we strap on the belt of truth. A leather apron protected the Roman soldier’s abdomen; our protective girdle is the truth of who we are in Christ: saints with supernatural power from God’s indwelling Spirit. Next, the breastplate deflects arrows. As difficult situations arise, we can repel the temptation to live by emotion — whether anger, fear, or dissatisfaction — and respond with a right spirit instead.
The sandals of peace help us to stand firm. Roman battle sandals usually had thick, spiked soles so that the soldier could anchor himself in the dirt. Regardless of the fierce enemy buffeting us, we can remain firmly planted in God’s peaceful will. The shield of faith is no tiny, round piece of armor; it is door-sized equipment representing Christ’s protection against anything Satan throws.
Faith brought us salvation — the point at which we exchanged our old thought patterns for new ways of thinking. Consequently, with salvation’s helmet, we put on the mind of Christ, which gives us discernment and wisdom. Finally, we take up the sword of the Spirit so that we can combat Satan’s lies with Scripture’s truth.
Knowing precisely what we will face each day, The Lord has graciously provided the perfect equipment needed for our challenges. Always be sure to dress for battle.
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