Devotionals

Soldier Slipping?

by Heather Love
03/19/21
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Ephesians 6:10-20 (CEV)

Soldier... Slipping?!

Battle fatigue, weariness—it must be something every soldier faces, especially when war is ongoing and seemingly without end. But we have a duty, we have to remain at the ready; we have to train daily and remember every day to put on our armor. Not when we feel like it, not when circumstances are overwhelming us, but consciously place each piece on at the very beginning of our day. If I was on the other side, I would take advantage of the times the enemy was asleep or early in the morning when they may not be as vigilant as after they’ve had their coffee and breakfast, and they’re suited up.

Stop!

Check our armor. Has our Helmet of Salvation slipped to the side, or did we lay it down when it became too heavy, or when we needed it out of the way so that we could eat and drink? Has our Breastplate of Righteousness... where is it anyway? Have we misplaced it amongst all of our dirty clothes? Ah, that’s why it’s not even in place. We lay the Belt of Truth down that holds it up because our stomach was too full and there are no other holes to widen the belt.

What about our feet, where are those boots? That’s right, they were too uncomfortable, too hot, and too heavy, so we took them off for a bit, and now we can’t remember where we’ve laid them down? No way can we offer the Gospel of Peace without them.
Ouch! Here we go again. I hate the fiery darts of the enemy. All we need is our Shield of Faith, and not the little one our children play with, but the one that covers our entire body and yet is as light as a feather. How about our Bible? When did we last see it, last opened it? Is it not close by our side so that we can look up that verse, or so that we can spend some time immersing ourselves and bathing in the knowledge that helps in every way and in everyday work and relationship building? There goes our Sword of the Spirit.

Let’s take a moment and find all the pieces of our armor. While we do, let’s also take time to worship Him who created our armor and sing His praises. Let’s polish that armor and put on an extra coat of all season weather protection. With love and prayers (praying in the Spirit for all the saints) let’s ask the God of the Angel Armies to give us new fortitude, gird up our loins with strength and help us get back to the fight—take our rightful place and fight the good fight. So many are dying without Him, and He wants all of us.

Quote:
The Whole Armor of God (CEV)

Eph 6:10  Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 

Eph 6:11  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 

Eph 6:12  We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 

Eph 6:13  So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. 

Eph 6:14  Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. 

Eph 6:15  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. 

Eph 6:16  Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

Eph 6:17  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. 

Eph 6:18  Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. 

Eph 6:19  Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. 

Eph 6:20  I was sent to do this work, and that’s the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.