“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”- Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)
Picture yourself as a soldier on a battlefield where the outcome is already known. What if, as a soldier, you went into every battle with the knowledge that you would emerge victorious? If, as an Olympic runner, you got the gold medal before the race even begins? This is the life of every believer. Our warfare is spiritual, and we have an adversary, but we understand our victory; therefore, we are not moved.
There is a unique confidence that comes when you realise that before you even need to lift your weapon, you have already been declared the victor. In Christ, every believer fights from a vantage point of victory (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57). That assurance changes everything. It changes how you feel and act before the fight begins. You are not shaking. You are not fretting. You are firm.
However, this does not mean you go into battle unprepared. No soldier walks into battle without armour. In the same way, as a believer, you must clothe yourself with the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Guard yourself from head to toe and stand with confidence, knowing that Christ has already won the battle.
Although the victory is eternally secured, the already defeated devil still attacks and charges forward. In 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is described as a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour. But our response to his empty threats is predetermined. The word of God is clear: stand firm.
Indeed, throughout Scripture, this command is repeated. When Moses and the Israelites came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians pressing behind them, fear filled their hearts. Yet God’s instruction was that they should stand firm, not to be afraid of the troubled waters ahead or the enemy chasing behind. (Exodus 14:13). And sure enough, God gave them the victory. The same is true even now. You are not to fear what comes against you, for if God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31).
Furthermore, you stand firm as you resist the devil and his lies. When you resist him steadfast in the faith, he will flee from you (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). When we stand firm, trusting in our God and his word and refusing to compromise on our faith, the devil will have no room to stand. By refusing to submit to the schemes of the enemy, you send him off running with his tail between his legs, humiliated and defeated.
Remember, a soldier clothed in full armour never trembles, and neither should you. As soldiers, we do not fight in our strength or power. Rise each day as Christ’s soldier, and when the enemy strikes, do not retreat. Christ has already won, and His victory is yours. Therefore, stand firm!
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 17–18, Romans 9:1–23