Devotion by Beth Evanko

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

After reading this lengthy recommendation by Paul to prepare ourselves for spiritual battle, I was reminded of the doctors and nurses who prepare themselves each time they enter the operating theater for surgery. They too are prepared for battle by clothing themselves from head to foot to protect the patient and themselves from the visible and invisible that lurk in the operating room. We can heed the words of Paul and the example of the medical team and strengthen ourselves as we battle each day.

Paul wanted the Ephesians and us to be ready for what evil we will encounter every day in the world He witnessed how a Roman soldier was outfitted for his work and saw the similarities of how Christians should put on their armor each day. When we are strong in the Lord, we have victory over evil especially through the power of prayer. Our greatest weapon is the power of prayer; we must be in constant prayer, with intensity, and for others not just ourselves.

Like the operating team who suits up for each surgery, we can be confident in the armor of God to withstand the assault of evil. This armor is applied when we daily read the Bible, pray, and seek God in solitude. Paul understood the importance of being clothed in Christ so each day put on your armor before tackling the world!

Prayer

Almighty God, We give you thanks for clothing us in Your armor to overcome the evils of the world. Please help us to stay strong in You so that we are ready for battle each day. We also ask for you to guide and direct the medical teams who are your hands and feet when we are ill no matter the severity. May we stay alert and persevere in following Your call for each of us.