https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-14&version=NIVUK

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, ‘be strong!’ We’ve heard this many times in the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It was always said directly or assumed with the ground clause, ‘for I am with you!’ Here in Eph. 6, we are reminded to be strong. Not only are we with the Lord, but now we are in him! And in his mighty power! (v.10) ‘In him’ and ‘in his mighty power’ signify that we are united to him by the faith he gave us. So we are ONE with him—all the more reason to stay strong and stand your ground!

As we are one with him, we are not deliberately putting on the ‘full set armour (panoplia)’ ourselves. Because we are one with him, we are also in the state of wearing the armour HE himself wore when he saved us and gave us faith (Isa. 11:5). We are in him who waited and long-suffered for eternity to save us. In him, the fiery arrows of the evil one cannot reach me (v. 14). Notice, therefore, that the only offensive arm is the sword, which is the Holy Spirit. Even now, He is the One who is fighting for me while I take refuge.

Lord, let me consciously remember that I am IN YOU. I am protected and fought for. Let me not fight before you. Let me live out the peace you have given me through Christ. Amen. 

• How does it comfort you that you are in the Lord, who wears the full armour, and therefore effectively wearing it yourself?

• What moments will you need to remember the most that you are in the Lord and therefore can stay strong and courageous?

• How would the Word of God work as a sword in such moments?