Armor Up!

Do you ever feel like Satan’s darts are all aimed at you? It may be a health situation you are facing, the loss of a loved one, financial worries, or just the stress of trying to survive in this caustic world. There is no shortage of worry or sadness; maybe that is why Scripture reminds us to take our burdens to the One who cares for us.

Jesus is our Burden Bearer! I read a Pew Research article reporting that in a poll conducted in April and May 2022, only 20 percent of Americans said they trusted their federal government—that is down from over 75 percent sixty years ago.

Questioning the trustworthiness of a government and wondering how policies will be implemented toward faith and religion is nothing new to Christ’s followers.

Remember that Peter wrote in his first epistle to the believers of the dispersion that they should remain strong in the face of suffering. He said to stand fast even if they are rejected and hurt. And they were God’s special people, remember? As Christians, we know our real enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, trying to see whom he can devour (see 1 Peter 5:8).

So how do we deal with that reality? In Ephesians 6:10–18, God gives us the tools to fight off this relentless enemy. He reminds us to be strong in Him and in His power.

How? We become strong by putting on God’s whole armor.

Doing so enables us to stand against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

The armor consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and the helmet of salvation.

Most importantly, the Bible urges us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonian 5:17). I am always blessed when someone tells me they are praying for me.

Open your Bible, the sword of the Spirit, and read how God helped others overcome impossible situations! Get a journal and keep track of the mighty promises you have claimed and how you saw God use your mustard-seed faith to move mountains.

When you see how often God throws up a shield around you to keep those fiery darts from hitting you, you will be amazed! Armor up.

Remember that though our foe may roar, he was defeated at the Cross!

Cheri Gatton