Imagine a scorching hot day without any sunblock. What good would it do if the sunblock stayed on the shelf at home, never applied? The only way to be protected from the sun is by using it. In the same way, God has given us spiritual armor for our protection, yet so often we either forget to put it on or fail to recognize that we’re in a spiritual battle at all. The weapons God has placed in our hands are not physical; they are spiritual. And before you convince yourself that you don’t have what it takes to fight, remember this: God has already called you a warrior and the battle has already been won. What He has placed within you is greater than anything that comes against you. The enemy’s schemes are real, but as you wrestle through it, never forget: you carry the sword of God’s Word, sharp and ready to defend.

Even if you don’t feel like a warrior doesn’t mean you can’t dress like one

1. Put on God’s Armor

The worst fight to be in is the one you didn’t know you were in. The truth is, life brings battles and we all face an opponent that schemes against us, waiting for the right moment to attack. In Ephesians 6, we learn our battle against the devil is at close range. It is a wrestling match, and we don’t have to walk in fear. Putting on the full armor of God, we are spiritually armed with the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.

For your additional study: Ephesians 6:13-18

2. Keep on God’s Armor

Now that you have put on the full armor of God, you’re prepared for the battle. Fighting against the tactics of the enemy requires you to learn how to use the tools God has given you and keep on the armor. The battle doesn’t stop when the prayer has been answered. When you spend time alone with God in prayer and in His word, and as you go through your day praying at all times, the enemy does not have a fighting chance. There is scripture for every situation in our lives, and when we commit to memorizing and speaking it, we will be victorious because God has already won the battle.

For your additional study: Isaiah 54:17, 1 John 4:4, Psalm 27:1, Philippians 4:13

Life feels like a fight because it is one. But it’s not a fistfight or a sprint, it’s a wrestling match. The enemy is not trying to knock us out in one blow; he is trying to wear us down little by little until we give up.

There will always be a battle in front of us. But what Paul is teaching us in Ephesians 6 is that we don’t need to be afraid if we are dressed for this battle: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word, all powered by prayer. Like Gideon, God has called you a mighty warrior before you ever step into battle. Paul says to put on the full armor of God, not your neighbor’s armor, not your favorite podcaster’s armor, but God’s armor. The same armor David and Isaiah used still fits.