Fully Equipped: Learning to Live Life With the Whole Armor of Godනියැදිය

Did you know that the purpose of the armor of God is for you to carry it with you when you encounter real situations in the world? Here’s why. One day, I was in a meeting where someone said something that felt like a personal attack. You know those moments – when words hit you right in the heart, and your flesh or human nature wants to respond and defend yourself and your position? Rightfully so! However, it was at that moment that the Holy Spirit reminded me of His Words revealed right in Ephesians 6:12, prior to the breakdown of the full armor. It says, “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.”

This is one of the hardest principles to remember when we're in the thick of conflict. When that person is standing right in front of you, saying things that hurt or frustrate you, it feels very much like an intentional attack against you, and the pain is felt within every fiber of your being. But what Paul is telling us is to look beyond the surface and the person. See what is really behind the curtains of the words, actions, and behaviors, and come prepared for the spiritual battle that’s really at hand.

Because we are, in fact, fighting a real enemy when we walk outside those doors as we face life's uncertainties and challenges, we must be prepared.

I love what Bible teacher and Author Derek Prince said about this: "An evil day comes in the life of every one of us. Whether we stand or not depends on if we've got the equipment we need." Think about that for a moment. The battle isn't about if it will come – it's about how prepared we'll be when it does.

Here's the truth: your obedience and willingness to honor God attracts opposition. When you're doing everything right, following God's call, serving in ministry, taking care of your family – and suddenly face intense spiritual warfare – remember that your obedience has made you a threat to the kingdom of darkness. That's why proper equipment isn't optional; it's essential.

Pause and Ponder: What situations in your life have you been viewing as personal attacks that might actually be spiritual battles? How does this perspective change your response?