Stand Your Ground

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:13-14)

The armor described in Ephesians 6 is not automatically put on you when you are saved. You don’t wake up wearing the breastplate of righteousness; you put it on yourself. Paul did not say, “Wait for the armor to appear,” but rather, “Take unto you.” This means you reach out and put it on intentionally, every day, with purpose. Every soldier understands the difference between gear that is issued and gear that is worn. Issued gear may sit idle on a shelf, but worn gear shows the scars of battle. Paul instructed believers to take the “whole armor” of God. The phrase comes from the Greek word panoplia, meaning a complete set of battle equipment meant for both attack and defense. You have been issued everything Heaven has to offer. But having it doesn’t mean that you’re using it.

Many believers wear their helmets and sandals only and are saved but unguarded. But this isn't a season for decorative Christian armor; it’s a time for deployed soldiers to wear everything they've been given. The devil doesn’t take days off, so your preparation shouldn't either. Why? Because you never know when the “evil day” will come. The evil day isn’t a future apocalyptic moment; it refers to every moment when darkness tests you. You must stay constantly ready to stand against the enemy. “Standing against” isn’t passive; it’s a forceful, active resistance. That’s what Paul meant when he wrote, “Having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,” meaning after you’ve prayed, fasted, cried, and done everything you know to do, you don’t collapse. Don’t give your ground to the enemy. Stay rooted. The imagery here is of a Roman soldier locking his shield into formation. Once the line is formed, even hell itself can’t break through. That’s how the Church is meant to look: brothers and sisters shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-to-shield, standing together in truth and righteousness.

Practical Application

Resist emotional warfare. Don’t wrestle with people; wrestle in prayer.

Isaiah 59:17; Isaiah 11:5