It’s easy to read today’s passage and come away exhausted. When grief has beaten you down, when the responsibility of caring for others or the pain and frustration of chronic illness has worn you out, the last thing you need is another responsibility, another chore. Buckling on your armor to face spiritual warfare just seems too hard.

But we need to face the facts: how we face grief and responsibility and illness is a big part of the spiritual warfare that we are all engaged in, whether we like it or not. For regardless of how much we may want to quit and just sit on the sidelines, the sin in our hearts and in the world around us keeps forcing us to wrestle with temptation and doubt and fear and exhaustion and pain and frustration. The hits just keep on coming, and every soldier knows that when the bullets start flying, a helmet and a Kevlar vest are true friends indeed.

But the good news is that Paul isn’t calling us to muster up spiritual strength within ourselves to face all these challenges. For he doesn’t tell us to put on our armor: instead we are to put on God’s armor. For it is God’s truth, the truth of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ that will hold us together like a belt. It is the righteousness of Christ imputed to our account that will protect us from the guilt and judgment that our own sin has earned. It is the wonderful truth that Christ’s sacrifice has made peace with sinners like us that will make us sure-footed in the midst of our most serious trials, as well as ready to carry this good news to others. And it is our faith in Christ, our trust in Him as Savior and our obedience to Him as Lord that connects us to Him, providing the greatest assurance for us in the midst of all the temptation and doubt and fear and exhaustion and pain and frustration that the circumstances of our lives keep sending our way.

So yes, we need to put on the helmet of salvation every day, reminding ourselves every day that Christ alone saves sinners by the blood of His cross. And the best way to do this is what we’re doing right now – opening God’s Word, and rehearsing its precious promises. For when we wield the Word of God, there is no lie within us or our loved ones, no doubt or despair or discouragement that can possibly survive. And when we pray in the Spirit, when we offer prayers that are in agreement with God’s Word and God’s will, we can be sure that He will bless us and our loved ones, even in the midst of the worst storms life sends our way.

So, let’s persevere in our study and prayer. Let’s keep preaching the gospel to ourselves and others. For that’s the best way to overcome even the most serious challenges that this day will bring.

Ephesians 6:10-24 (ESV)

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.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.
22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.