WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING TODAY?

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10, 11 ESV)

What would you want to convey to someone knowing that you only have a short time to live?  What words of advice would try and impart to those you love?  

When my dad was on his death bed and had but a few hours to live - I asked him if there was anything he wanted to say to the family.  If was funny - because he said "I would have gone to Disneyland more often with the family."  It wasn't "Go, and work hard and make a lot of money."  It was - "Spend time with your family.  Don't let the pressures of life overwhelm you and enjoy life while you can."  Very deep.  Very interesting.

Paul was winding his ministry down and was trying to convey to his readers that which was the most important thing to say.  He uses this word, "Finally" - meaning "This is it.  Here is what I want you to remember."  He tells them "to be strong in The Lord and in the strength of HIS might and to put on the whole armor of God."  In other words - "there are a lot of things you can put your strength in, but there is only one thing that will make you strong for dealing with the issues of life - that is, being strong in The Lord.

Paul then goes on to tell us how we can be strong - it is by putting on the armor of God.  He then takes the time to explain how a soldier is to dress is the same way that we are to dress ourselves everyday.

We are to put on...
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Shoes of peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of the Spirit

These things, if put on everyday would help you to be strong in the ways of The Lord and against the real enemy which is Satan and his demonic forces that will come at you in every way possible.

In doing so, you will "be able to stand against the wiles (tricks) of the devil."

May I encourage you today to evaluate what it is that you are putting your trust in and what it is that is most important in your life.  Who is it that you trust in and what are you doing to remain strong?  Victory is your today if you are trusting in God and doing what He has asked you to do.  You are an overcomer and God has given you the tools to win whatever battle you are fighting.