Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Do you remember a time in your life that was difficult? You probably remember the feeling that it seemed things would never get better. Time stands still when we are having a hard time, suffering serious illness, or feeling angry, depressed, or anxious emotionally.
St. Paul helps us understand such times for what they are. He calls them “the schemes of the devil.” No wonder such trials seem so eternal. We are being tempted to doubt in the Lord and think that there is no way out for us. But, is this true? Absolutely not! But, our perception is limited to our short lifespan and understanding time and history.
For example: If you ask a 6 year old about something 10 years ago, you are talking of pre-historic times for that little boy or girl. It is the same way for a 20 year old who is asked to think of something before his or her birthday. Even the very oldest among us, who often have better perspective, haven’t lived all that long.
God is eternal. His plans for us are eternal. So He gives us a faith that can stand the schemes of the devil and His eternal armor for our faith. He does this so that we will be able to face the challenges of life, and in the end, Stand firm!
The events of holy week must have felt like an eternity to the first disciples. From Jesus’ arrest to His burial was actually not that long, even for us. But, it was an eternity to those who watched Jesus suffer. It seemed unending to the disciples who were in hiding, fearing for their lives as they grieved Jesus’ death.
But now, through God’s Word, we see God’s plan more completely. The disciple’s great sorrow was followed by great joy! Jesus rose from the dead and taught His disciples that His death and resurrection were for the life of the world! Trusting in Jesus our sins are forgiven and our greatest trials are set against the timeline of eternal life. As St. Paul would also write in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Fellow redeemed, when times of trial and testing are in your life, I pray that you would find comfort in your faith. God gives you this faith and the armor you will need spiritually to points you to Jesus. God will sustain you and show you His eternal plans for your salvation. Though the evil one will try to discourage us, God is greater. Therefore, in all things, even our most difficult trials, we can know that we have a destination, namely, life eternal with our Savior.
Let us pray,
I thank you Lord Jesus for your great love. Please sustain my faith in the midst of all trial, temptation, sickness, anxiety, and trouble. Especially help me, and all your saints, to find solace in your gifts: the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.