"no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord .” Isaiah 54:17 ESV
In the devotion yesterday, we read how God is our fortress and refuge. In today’s verse, we find, in addition to offering us a place of safety, he also equips us with his armor for the daily warfare of this world. There are times when we need to withdraw and regain our strength, but we also need to be prepared to face the world’s challenges and stand against Satan. How do we do this? In Ephesians 6:14-18, Paul provides the following instructions for putting on the armor of God:
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
In God’s word, we put on the “belt of truth” we need when faced with alternative truths and outright lies. When met with opposition, discernment through the Holy Spirit not only shows what is the truth but also provides the response, “do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12).
God's promise to Israel in Isaiah, and Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians is still relevant today. Time does not diminish the message. God looks out for us. In times of retreat, God gives us a safe haven, but he also provides the spiritual weapons we need to respond to succeed.
Lord, we give you thanks for equipping us. You provide us with what we need to protect us and prepare us. When faced with those who refute us today, give us the words that glorify you. We are your servants, use us as you will. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
