ephesians 6:13 Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

I believe that the Bible exhorts us to specific protective measures for specific areas of vulnerability

I was sitting in my rocking chair, dreamily looking down the street, when I thought I saw some sort of a little Martian, a weapon in his hand, teetering around on unseasoned earth legs right off some UFO.

I got to my feet to get a better look, and I recognized two-year-old Dale, who lives about four doors down. In his hand was a pint-sized hockey stick, and what was making him move so oddly was his full hockey regalia. Helmet, shoulder pads under bulky sweatshirt, knee pads, padded shorts, and padded gloves. Everything that a hockey player wears, all scaled-down size—with the incongruous addition of a corner o a diaper protruding under his hockey pants!

This is hockey country (Canada). Any street, any school yard (ice not necessary), or packed ice arenas. There’s grave concern over possible injuries, and much is done to prevent such. Protective equipment is provided commensurate with risk of bodily damage.

The Bible warns about the real warfare that is going on, not in sports arenas – the spiritual kind. “Put on the whole armor of God . . .train up a child in the way he should go . . . . young man, cleanse your ways . . . remember now the creator in the days of your youth . . . your adversary . . . as a roaring lion . . ..”

There’s scant attention paid to this kind of danger, though movies such as Exorcist have scared many into frightened recognition. When a physical life is in danger, there is groundswell of concern and earnest prayer. But what about the spiritual danger, the eternal peril that faces every human being outside of Christ?

I believe that the Bible exhorts us to specific protective measures for specific areas of vulnerability—from the diaper stage on up. Let’s be concerned to give our children (or Sunday School class) the right gear as they grow up and move into heightening battles with the enemy of their souls.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day . . . and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13,17).

By Muriel Hanson
Used by Permission
from Salt and Honey, WinePress Publishing

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, don’t back down God’s grace will carry you through.

Popular singer Tom Petty passed away a while back after a highly successful career. One of Petty’s most loved songs was titled ‘I Won’t Back Down’. It says:

Well, I won’t back down.
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell,
But I won’t back down

While Tom Petty was probably singing about the human challenges he had to face, the Apostle Paul says something similar regarding the spiritual battles we face as God’s children. He says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13). The imagery is that of a well-trained soldier, planting his feet firmly on the battle field and refusing to back down. In other words, Paul may be saying, ‘don’t back down’. Ever!

The senseless shootings at a church in Texas and others disasters, bear witness to the fact that we live in dangerous times. It is at a time like this that the church of Jesus Christ and individual Christians should stand firm, find renewed hope, minister to the hurting and refuse to back down.

In Daniel 6, Daniel was about to receive the ‘promotion of a lifetime’, being the likely candidate for Prime Minister. The appointment may have brought privileges in the form of a brand new vehicle (the latest chariot?), unlimited power and added bonuses. That’s when envy set in as the other powerful officials rose up against him. Their devious plans meant Daniel would have to either back down from his commitment to God or face the ‘lions’.

Daniel refused to ‘back down’ and God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. Maybe He tranquilized them, maybe He assigned them to a 12 hour fast, or maybe they just lost their appetite. Whatever may have happened, it was a powerful work of God

Similarly, God is with us in our battles. Let us therefore stand firm and be encouraged by the words in James 4:7 that says, “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. Whatever challenge you may be facing today, don’t back down God’s grace will carry you through.

By Palitha Jayasooriya
Used by Permission

Full Armor

I believe that the Bible exhorts us to specific protective measures for specific areas of vulnerability

Further Reading

Don’t Back Down When Facing Trials

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, don’t back down God’s grace will carry you through.

Further Reading

Tag: <span>ephesians 6:13</span>

Full Armor

I believe that the Bible exhorts us to specific protective measures for specific areas of vulnerability

Further Reading

Don’t Back Down When Facing Trials

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, don’t back down God’s grace will carry you through.

Further Reading