“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”   Ephesians 5:15, 16

Have you ever felt like you were under attack?  It happened to me this morning while I was trying to think about how I should do this post.  I couldn’t concentrate and I felt like the devil was aiming one fiery arrow after another at me.  Arrows of doubt, worry and anxiety about finances, health concerns and other problems like a swarm of hornets kept stinging my mind.  In a previous post I had talked about how to push the delete button when these worry thoughts enter your mind, but truthfully it’s just not always that easy.  Certainly replacing them with positive thoughts helps but the devil is very cunning about the ways he tries to get control of our mind and render us useless to God.  The devil always finds our weakness and takes advantage of it.

“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”                     I Corinthians 10:12  

Then it hit me that in truth, my faith was being attacked.  What I needed to do was put on the armor of God.  I imagined that I was taking up “the shield of faith, with which I would extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” just as it says in Ephesians 6:16.  I also imagined putting on the helmet of salvation to protect my mind and thoughts.  I wanted only God’s wisdom to enter my mind.  I also carefully placed over my shoulders the breastplate of righteousness to protect my heart and emotions which seem so fragile and easily wounded.  But I remembered there was more and each piece of armor was important.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”   Ephesians 6:13   

Ah yes, when the devil attacks he often knocks us off our feet and I want to be ready. So we must “stand firm with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”  I’m still pondering what this readiness means.  Perhaps it is to be ready to help when we see the need of a neighbor or to be ready to speak out about injustice or just to blog about whatever the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts.

The next verse states the importance of putting the belt of truth around your waist.  The devil hates truth and is the author of all lies.  And so when your armor is in place take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God and pray.  You will always stand firm if you are securely anchored to the rock of God’s promises.

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”   I Peter 5:8

Fun Stuff For Kids:  Suit of Armor

I made the suit of armor for our grandson out of a heat shield that blocks the sun coming in the windshield of your car.  I also made shields and swords with a bible verse from Ephesians 6:10 attached to each for the 2nd grade Sunday school class that my husband and I taught.  I always teach the children that “Our God is bigger than any problem.”  Our God is awesome!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”   Ephesians 6:10

You may have noticed that these are “bubble wand” swords.  I like to think that the devil’s lies can be popped just like bubbles by the sword of the Spirit.  But if you are not familiar with the word of God you won’t be able to stand on His promises and recognize the devil’s lies.  Teach your children those promises so that they will be prepared when the need arises.

“But the LORD is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”   II Thessalonians 3:3  

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”    Philippians4:7