Be strong in the power you’ve been given and face tomorrow with the assurance of God’s limitless strength. He is with you today, tomorrow, and always.
“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
As a mentor for Christian women who are struggling in faith and life, one of the most common things I hear is how uncertain they feel about the future. I find myself able to empathize with them as I face my own uncertainties, wondering what will unfold in the days ahead.
The truth is, we want to know that everything is going to be alright. We long for the assurance that God will give us strength no matter what comes. Yet, in our human way of thinking, we worry about how it’s going to play out.
Fortunately, we are given all the preparation we need in Ephesians 6 as Paul describes the amor of God. Each piece equips us for the future and strengthens us for the journey ahead. Be encouraged today as you step into the strength of the Lord and His mighty power.
It’s All About His Mighty Power
Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” The word “finally” comes after two previous chapters detailing how to live a godly life. Paul sums up his instructions with one key verse - to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
The full armor of God is clothed in supernatural strength. Each piece is anointed by His Spirit and is given to us for preparation and defense. As we bear His armor from head to toe, we are covered in Christ Jesus, empowered to face an unknown future.
Resist the temptation to let fear, worry, or panic drive your actions. Instead, stand firm in the mighty power of God that equips your mind, heart, body, and soul. Remember, there is power in the name of Jesus, and at the mere mention of His name, the enemy has to flee!
God’s power has no equal, and He offers it to us by His Spirit within us. Be strong in the power you’ve been given and face tomorrow with the assurance of God’s limitless strength. He is with you today, tomorrow, and always.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
The Helmet of Salvation Guards Our Minds
Ephesians 6:17 says to “take the helmet of salvation.” This indicates the receiving of something given to us. By placing the helmet of salvation on our heads, it guards our minds from the deceptions of the world and helps us discern evil from good. It is our ultimate protection and preparation for the future.
Even soldiers know the importance of wearing their helmets in battle. It’s a piece of armor they would never forget. As this article from Got Questions states, “When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head was badly damaged, the rest of the armor would be of little use.”
In regard to our future, the helmet of salvation - our eternal salvation in Christ - keeps our minds fixed on Him, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. When our thoughts are shielded against the lies of the enemy, we can think clearly, truthfully, and decisively in the days to come.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
The Breastplate of Righteousness Guards Our Fragile Hearts
Proverbs 4:23 is a familiar memory verse taught even to young children. It says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
In light of this verse, the breastplate of righteousness is the very best way to guard our hearts. With this piece of armor shielding our most vital organ, we find an inner strength to face the future.
Our fears are calmed by the righteousness of Christ, a righteousness that cannot be attained by human means. The purity of His holiness covers our fragile hearts and protects us from the wounds that threaten to defeat us.
Just as our first responders sometimes wear bullet-proof vests when called to certain scenes, we are given impenetrable vests of righteousness that protect us from the intents of the evil one. Let this piece of armor be a non-negotiable part of what you wear each day as you bear the righteousness of God in Christ.
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30
The Belt of Truth Secures Our Beliefs
One of the most concerning things about the future is the rampant deceptions that are circling - even within the Body of Christ. Now, more than ever, we must know in Whom we have believed and stand on His Word as absolute truth.
The belt of truth secures our beliefs as it is buckled into place and is fastened with God’s wisdom. No amount of head knowledge is going to prepare us for the days ahead. It will be the solid truths of the Scriptures that hold us fast and keep us from being misled.
Each day, as you spend time in prayer, worship, and Bible study, picture yourself putting on the belt of truth and actually hearing it “click” into place. When in doubt, go to God for wisdom. Ask, seek, and knock, knowing He will answer.
Remember that the Holy Spirit lives within you and guides you in all truth. At any given moment, He will remind you of what Jesus taught and lead you according to the infallible Word of God.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13
The Shoes of the Gospel Make Us Ready
“Stand firm then…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15
With the influence of media at every turn, it’s easy to focus on the things of the world instead of the things of God. But what could happen if we laced up our Gospel shoes - the piece of godly armor that equips our feet with the Good News? Imagine how ready we would be for whatever the future holds!
Turn off the nightly news. Turn off social media. Turn off the noise of the world and tune your heart to the Gospel that Jesus saves. Let this govern your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Let it be what you post about, share in the grocery store, and live in real-time.
Walk with strength and fortitude as your feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. In Christ, you are more than ready for the future!
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
The Sword of the Spirit Divides the Word Rightly
“Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17
As mentioned earlier, there is a great deception going on, even in the church, and at the root of it is a failure to divide the Word of God correctly. I’m not talking about the marginal differences between believers; I’m talking about the unchangeable truths of who God is and what He came to do.
The sword of the Spirit is the very Word of God, and when we hold fast to it, we are able to rightly divide truth from error. The Holy Spirit empowers us to see the falsehoods of the world and combat them. It’s when we lay down the sword and explore other ideas that we get into trouble.
As things grow dark, and we enter a time in history like no other, wield the sword of the Spirit with boldness and surety. God’s Word stands no matter what falls around us. Cling to His Word as a lifeline that will carry you into the future with sustenance and strength.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
The Shield of Faith Blocks the Arrows
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16
Never underestimate the power of faith. Belief in Christ is a mighty shield that blocks the arrows of the evil one and stands in defense of all that is true. Imagine stepping into the future from a place of victory instead of defeat. Fear and doubt have no place when faith is present.
Hold the shield of faith with a grip of steel. Stand behind it and know that the onslaughts of the enemy cannot reach you. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “I believe the word which is translated ‘shield,’ sometimes signifies a door, because their shields were as large as a door. They covered the man entirely.”
In preparation for the future, envision your faith as a door - a door that opens to the blessings of Christ and closes to the arrows of the enemy. Your life is protected by a Father who loves you. He is a shield about you and a strong refuge in times of trouble.
The full armor of God prepares us for the future by equipping us with everything we need for life and godliness. From head to toe, we are ready to face an unknown future with a known God. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you bear His armor and stand firm in His mighty power.
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