2008-02-25 - What Do I Need with the Armor of God?

Part 2 - The Belt of Truth

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

I never thought becoming a Christian would automatically make me a solider, but it has. There is no voluntary draft, and we cannot be turned away due to health, gender, race, or age. Daily we have to put on a soldier's mentality and uniform, and not haphazardly. We have to believe our arsenal will work, and have faith in God, our leader. Why should we listen to Him, and can He be trusted?

Psalm 24:8 says yes. "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." He has our best interest in mind. God is committed, brave, skillful, wise, resourceful - and sent His son to stand in our place. As a commander, God has a good track record.

God, our military commander, has left nothing to chance. He designed our armor of light, and wears the same outfit as you and me, his fellow soldiers. (see Isaiah 59:17)

The Lord has given us access to everything we need for the fight. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Before we even think about getting dressed for battle, and before the fighting begins, we have to know whom our enemy is. Why does Satan attack God's people? His assault is against the entire world (Revelations 12:9) for he doesn't want us to succeed, because then he loses. While a solider is commanded to stand firm and alert, the enemy roams and prowls, searching for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8-9) It's not just a hobby, or something to do when life gets boring. We need to stay focused, because the enemy wants us ineffective so that God's kingdom and people will no longer prevail. When we as soldiers show courage, submission, and accept our role, the enemy flees. (James 4:7) When Satan is defeated, he slinks away - but do not be fooled, for he is always on the prowl - and therefore, we must be ready for another attack.

The first item Paul tells us to wear of the armor is the belt of truth. The belt is similar to a warning sign, a yellow light of caution telling us to wait, something doesn't measure up. While our arsenal is truth, Satan offers words and thoughts of doubt, to distort accuracy. When we listen to Satan, it can lead to our ruin. We don't have to accept his untrue criticisms, when we wear the belt of truth. Paul tells us to stand firm when we are wearing our belt. We are not to back down. The belt keeps the rest of the ensemble together. It keeps the armor in place; it is the foundation. The glue. Personally, God is my glue. I seek Him and depend on Him to bring my hopes and His dreams into reality. Where is your glue?

-Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
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