For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

~Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

“On Guard!”

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These words rang out as the warriors prepared for battle. Equipped with helmets, swords, and shields, my grandsons were battle-ready. They boldly engaged the enemy they envisioned in their imagination. Excitement filled the air as my grandsons raised their plastic swords into position, awaiting the signal to lunge forward in pursuit, and slay the invaders. What fun it was watching them conquer invisible foes.

My grandsons’ playtime reminded me that we have an invisible enemy–Satan and his cohorts–and the battle is real, fierce, and persistent. But God has provided the armor we need to be fully equipped warriors. When we put on the armor found in Ephesians 6:14-17, we are prepared to defeat this scoundrel. Our armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

~Ephesians 6:14-17 NKJV

In verse sixteen, God instructs us to take up our only offensive weapon, which is the sword of the Spirit, representative of His Word. This weapon provides the specific word we need for the circumstances we are facing. The word we need to focus on is not just any verse, but the one the Holy Spirit brings to our mind. Just as Jesus spoke the appropriate word when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11), we must have our two-edged sword sharpened and ready.

But He [Jesus] answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'”

~Matthew 4:4 NKJV

How do we prepare our sword and ourselves to effectively face the enemy? We are equipped to engage him by reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word and hiding it in our hearts. With our weapons ready and our arsenal full, we stand ready.

Do you put on your armor every morning? Are you sharpening your sword daily?

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing all I need to take a stand when the enemy of my soul mounts an attack. Enable me to do my part by hiding Your Word in my heart. Remind me daily to put on my battle uniform so I can say with confidence, “having done all to stand. Stand.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: On Guard: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved