Having done all to stand, stand

Ephesians 6:11-18 is a very well know passage of scripture that reminds us what it takes to stand in difficult days. Even more to the point this passage helps us understand the source of many of our difficult days and the reality of what we face. It is for this reason that we must prepare and be prepared to stand.

But what you might find fascinating is this even after all the preparation and practice that we go through to learn how to stand there is one last and very vital thing we must yet do. We must stand. It is not enough for a soldier to learn how to build a bulwark and establish firing lines they must stand in the face of the enemy. They must remain at their posts and face the incoming fire and furry of those who would confront them. This is the same idea that Ephesians 6 is teaching. It is not enough to learn how to stand, it is not enough to know the way to stand, we must stand.

Two thousand years ago Paul knew the battle would be fierce because he knew the enemy we face so he wrote down the teachings he knew we would need to succeed. These teachings neither are hidden truths nor are they words that are hard to understand. But what they are, are instructions that can be difficult to apply.

The furry of our foe is intended to cause us to shy away and seek a “safer” manner of action. But in war there are only two options, stand or fail. It is far too easy to fail yet never has it been more vital that we not just learn to stand but that we truly stand.

It does not take much more than a glance at the state of our world to recognize one simple truth if we do not stand it will not be long before there is nothing left to stand for.

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, Ephesians 6:14-18