Stand

| Mar 24, 2024

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13

In ancient times, battles were fought at close range. Aside from bows or slings, there were few weapons capable of inflicting damage on the enemy. The Standard battle tactics then was that the soldiers stand close together, holding their shields in front of them. Most battles were decided when one side broke and ran. This is when the most casualties occurred. Often soldiers who were fleeing would throw down their weapons and gear so they could run faster. This only made them more vulnerable to attacks as now they had no defense.

The Christian life is often depicted as a battle, and that is because it is a spiritual battle. For that battle God provides armor and a weapon, and He expects us to use them to stand our ground. The tools for spiritual victory are in our hands because of God's provision and grace, but the responsibility for using those tools courageously lies with us. Too often Christians back away from the enemy, abandoning their defenses and fleeing from the battlefield. We are not to run from Satan, but to resist him by submitting to God. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We cannot resist Satan in our own power and strength, but if we put on our armor and stand firm, we will be victorious.

PRAYER

In the name of Jesus I receive grace to resist the devil and his cohorts effectively