You're Going to Get Attacked
You can't prevent attacks, but the armor of God will reduce the effects.
The 2020 budget for the United States Departement of Defense is $738 billion.
Our nation does not spend that kind of money on defense "in case" we have enemies. We have enemies.
We do not employ 1.3 million military personnel "if" we get attacked. Our heroes are ready "when" we are attacked.
Not If, but When
If you follow Jesus, you have an enemy. The enemy will attack.
It's not a question of if, but when.
But God has provided protection.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10
In supplying His armor, God is sending us a sobering message. You can't prevent the attacks, but He provides what you need to reduce their effects.
Our Evil Enemy
In Ephesians 6:12 Paul pulls back the curtain and shows us the ranks of our enemy. They are numerous, evil, and powerful.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12
The words "spiritual forces of evil" say enough. In our human frailty, going against a more powerful spiritual enemy, it's no contest.
But notice that God does not just give us armor. He gives us HIS armor. It is not armor from God; it is the armor OF God.
Our enemy is superior in strength to us. God's armor is superior in strength to our enemy.
Attacks are Unpreventable
The supply of armor means that God HAS NO CURRENT PLAN to prevent us from being attacked. One of these days, our victorious Savior will end the assault, but not now.
So if you try to do something great for God and evil attacks, don't think God is giving you a raw deal. Quit whining. He gave you His armor.
God didn't give you His armor so you would have it. He gave it to you so you could wear it. You're going to get attacked! Put it on and pay attention!
Reduce the Effects
We can't prevent the attacks, but God's armor means that we can reduce the effects. Notice that God's expectation is for us to stand in His strength. He doesn't call us to win the battle. He prepares us to endure it. He doesn't call us to fix the world. He just doesn't want us to quit.
Furthermore, God expects you to wear all of the armor, not half of it. He didn't ask you to question it, modify it, or rearrange it. Your orders are to put it on - ALL OF IT!
You can't prevent the attacks, but what He gives will undoubtedly reduce the effects. Take the hit, but stop the wound.
Bible Study
Read Ephesians 6:10-12.
- List the commands in the passage.
- What does this passage teach us about the nature of our enemy?
- How does this passage motivate you to pray?
Challenge
Recall a recent event in which you got angry at God for a difficult situation, an experience of betrayal, or personal attack. Take a few moments to inventory how your reaction kept you from receiving what God desired to supply you during the attack.
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