Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:14-15).

My father-in-law’s unit was assigned to face down a line of tanks barreling toward Allied troops at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. The weapons in his unit were totally inadequate for the task. He later said, “Those tanks cut through us like we were paper.”

I cannot imagine the experience of those men, trying to stand against such an onslaught as the ground beneath them shook and death for many approached.  

The Apostle Paul’s imagery puts us into a setting of similar spiritual warfare. We are forced to picture ourselves standing before powerful evil. We are up against the powers of overwhelming wickedness that cause our world and our hearts to shake. But then God speaks: Stand firm. 

Our doubts and fears, driven by honest assessment of our inability cause us to cry out, “How can I possibly stand against this?” Then our God replies, “You have my armor. Evil will not prevail over you. Stand firm.”

The Bible never promises an immediate end to all your trials, but God promises to equip you with all that is necessary for your spiritual victory. Believe him. In Christ you can stand against all the onslaughts of evil. So, stand firm!

Prayer:
Lord, enable me to stand firm in the realities of spiritual warfare, putting on your armor and trusting your grace to provide all that is necessary for Christ’s victory.