Light Tank WIth Power

Picture by Caprice Miller

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. “– Ephesians 6:10-11

At first glance you might think this was just a picture of some scrap metal and wonder, “What’s Caprice doing at a junk yard?”  But then at closer inspection you realize there is something more to this picture story.  This is obviously a tank that saw action long ago.   From a little research, it seems this tank is what could be referred to as a “light tank” model.  It was introduced prior to WWII.  It was used for its speed and was able to exploit breakthroughs of enemy lines created by larger tanks.   Variations are still used today, as you might imagine.  It is one of many valuable pieces of armor used in our armed forces to protect our freedom.   

This is obviously a very physical example of some very powerful armor that can withstand a lot of enemy combat.  There are times in life that we have probably wished we could have armor like this to protect us from our enemies.  Sometimes that enemy is so elusive you might think nothing can protect you from it.  You can’t even see it, but it just continues to attack.  That’s what the Bible talks about when it says in the next verse of this scripture

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”  - Ephesians 6:12 

You may recognize this enemy.  It comes in the form of fear, self-doubt, anger, or that little nagging voice in your mind that keeps telling you of your unworthiness.  These are just a few of the weapons of this unseen enemy. In addition to this ammunition, he creates a sense of separation within us.  This separation is just a lie that makes us feel as though we are the only ones experiencing these things and no one else could ever understand.   But if we can’t see it, then how do we fight against it? 

It’s important to remember what a mighty arsenal we have available at our fingertips.  It is hard for us to imagine the truly “ALMIGHTY POWER” that our God has.  As a believer, this power is available to us.  As we ask God to remind us of this truth, He will also bring to mind some pieces of armor He gives us as we read further into this passage. 

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God .¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.^{” –} Ephesians 6:13-18

When you really break down the tactics of this unseen enemy, you realize that they are just so common.  One of the secrets seems to be separation though.  God designed us to be in relationship.  Relationship with Him and also those around us who encourage us and spur us on to be the person God created us to be.  When we begin to believe we are the only ones experiencing these mental grenades of self-doubt, fear and more, we tend to cut off those relationships that help us remember truth instead of the lies. 

Don’t try to stand alone.   Believe and remember before ever stepping foot out of bed that you have the power of the ALMIGHTY GOD at your fingertips.  Take this scripture to heart and stand firm in the face of this unseen enemy and mentally put on each piece of God’s armor for you.  Don’t separate yourself from a relationship with God or those He has placed around you.  Like the “light tank”, with His power we will be able to exploit what God has already broken through. 

Remember, “….Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.”