BRING AN UMBRELLA

Ephesians 6:11-17 (NRSV)

Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

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Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)
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AS I approached the exit of our local hospital, I stood back a moment as several people hurried inside to escape the icy downpour. I looked longingly at those who had a raincoat and an umbrella.

The weather forecast had warned us to expect freezing rain today, but in my rush to leave that morning I had worn only a lightweight, cloth jacket. My umbrella was right where I'd left it -- in my car. Because I didn't heed the warning, I had to face the rain with unsuitable clothing and no umbrella.

Paul tells us in Ephesians that we prepare ourselves for what we face in life by clothing ourselves in "the whole armour of God" -- faith, truth, righteousness, the hope of salvation, and the word of God. But too often we hurry out without that covering, leaving ourselves exposed and vulnerable.

In the same way that my raincoat and umbrella could have helped me, God's armor can help us in spiritual rough weather. This armor is ours if we take the time to clothe ourselves with what God offers. In our busy lives, what could be more important than that?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that we face spiritual battles each day and that nothing we do is more important than clothing ourselves with your word. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The armor of God is ours when we need it.

-- Linda Darby Hughes (Georgia, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Someone facing a spiritual storm