2 or 3 Together - Armor of God

Put on the Full Armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

– Ephesians 6:11

My eighteen-year-old daughter Abby, just completed an intense twenty-hour self-defense class. When I arrived at her graduation, I was surprised to discover that she literally had to fight for her diploma. 

The lead instructor called Abby out onto the blue wrestling mat. When the whistle blew, a large man dressed in all black snuck into the room and approached Abby from behind. He wore a huge black helmet with a white skeleton face painted on it. As he reached around Abby and threw her face-down onto the mat, I was startled by the sound of several women yelling in unison, what I was thinking to myself, “NO! NO! NO!”  It turns out they were graduates of the same program, invited back to offer encouragement. 

To my utter amazement, Abby twisted, turned, wiggled, flipped over, and freed herself from her attacker. Then, with adrenaline surging, she powerfully kicked the man twice in between his legs (where it hurts the most). He toppled to his knees, vulgar language spewing from his lips. 

Abby quickly positioned herself in the “ready to fight” stance: one hand in front of her throat, and the other outstretched, clearly communicating to the man to back off. Before he could rise to attack again, the instructor blew her whistle. Abby was victorious, worthy of her graduation certificate. 

The whole room erupted in cheers of celebration. As Abby jogged off the mat, her classmates extended their arms with high fives and hugs. I slumped in my seat, a little overwhelmed by what I’d just witnessed. 

As I’ve pictured Abby’s attacker over and over again in my mind, I’m reminded that we all have an enemy sneaking around us. He comes to steal, and kill, and destroy (John 10:10). 

Why aren’t we standing in a ready position to fight? Why aren’t we shouting “NO!”? How easily we forget that …

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  - Ephesians 6:12

God describes the armor we’re to put on every day in order to fight our good fight of faith. You can put this list in your closet as a reminder; every morning when you get dressed you’re actually getting ready for WAR!

 Each piece of our armor has a particular purpose for protection:

• Belt of Truth – Buckle God’s truths around your waist and ignore the enemy’s lies.  For example, when the enemy tells you aren’t worthy of God’s love, fight back with … I am child of God; fully loved, accepted, and forgiven by faith. Know who you are to God.

• Breastplate of Righteousness – Slide it on to protect your heart from the temptations of today’s culture. Through your faith in Jesus, God sees you as righteous and pure. So follow God’s right path which often flies in the face of what the world expects of you. Know you are right in God’s sight.

• Shoes of Peace – Put them on and walk in peace following Jesus. When conflicts arise, remember how Jesus loved and do like wise. Pursuing peace not power, will humble you and lead you to the good plans God has for you. Know who you are following. 

• Shield of Faith – Grab it, lift it up, and confidently fend off the the enemy’s attacks of criticism and doubt. Faith is your best weapon against fear. God will call you into the unknown where you must walk by faith not sight. Know God’s good purposes for you will take great faith. 

• Helmet of Salvation –Strap it on and protect your mind from toxic thoughts that can hijack God’s plan for you. Your salvation is secure but your thoughts are sometimes scattered. You must take every thought captive and align it with God’s Word. Know the truth and the truth will set you free.

• Sword of the Spirit – Your only offensive weapon is God’s Word! Believe it, speak it, pray it, and use it against the enemy.  There is power in the name of Jesus and the Word of God to bring victory in every area of your life. Know nothing is impossible with God.   

Finally, God reminds us to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Jesus has already won the greatest battle in history and is seated in heaven next to God cheering you on. Fight strong, stand firm, and pray every day with thanksgiving in your heart. 

You are battle ready!

2 or 3 Together:

1. Imagine … You’re walking alone at night in a parking garage. How do you think you’d respond if you were unexpectedly attacked?

2. How is the enemy trying to steal, kill, or destroy areas of your life? Which piece of God’s Armor do you need to put on first every morning? 

3. A Wake Up Call Activity – Armor of God

• Print off the pieces of God’s Armor from the blog above. 

• Put the list of God’s Armor where you get dressed every day. From head to toe picture yourself getting ready for war.  

• Another Reminder - Set a 3:00pm alarm on your phone to read - It’s War! I’m Fighting with Faith!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank you for being a part of The 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call Movement