You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
Series: Standing Strong
Going to buy new shoes when I was a little girl was always a big event. My mom loaded us up and headed to the department store where we would wait for the sales associate to help us. When it was my turn I would slip my socked foot onto the metal grid thingy that would somehow tell my correct shoe size.
After my size was determined, I would choose the shoes I hoped to try on. Many times the pair I wanted most would not be available in my size. Not willing to give up, I enlisted the Cinderella step-sister method, strategically cramming my foot into the smaller size all the while trying to convince my mom I could wear them. She assured me I would regret doing that, and she was correct. The right fit matters!
As we continue our study, walking through each piece of the Armor of God, the same principle holds true. For each piece there is a proper fit, a correct posture of heart, and a proper mindset, in order for the armor to succeed in triumph.
When we put on truth, we put on Christ. When we secure the breastplate of righteousness, it is that of Jesus Christ which He imparted to us. And next, we must remember, in Christ we also have peace. In Ephesians 2:14 Paul tells us that Christ Himself is our peace.
In Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Paul tells us:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Think of it this way: God’s truth brings us to righteousness with Him, which results in peace. Because Christ declares us righteous we are at peace with God. We trust Him more; we don’t fight against Him. Isn’t that beautiful? But why is understanding about this peace so crucial? It is because the next piece of armor cannot hold fast without it.
Paul continues in Ephesians 6:14-15 (NKJV):
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Peace is our footing. Peace brings calmness and courage to our hearts. God gives us a foundation of peace so that as we walk in this ambivalent world, full of concerns, anxieties, and challenges, we may become a reflection of peace to those around us. We stand firm with an inner security that will not fail. We will not allow those uncertainties to affect the core of who we are. We are His.
The readiness of our feet in battle will determine how steady we stand against the enemy attacks. If we understand and hold tight to the Gospel, we don’t have to wonder where we stand in the battle; we stand in the peace of God.
In Matthew 6:25 (NKJV), Jesus reminds us:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
In this passage, Jesus is describing our very basic needs. Ask yourself, do you trust God with your very basic needs? You can’t fight spiritual warfare if you don’t trust the One who has promised to care for you. With anxiety at an all-time high, you must turn to Jesus and receive His peace over your life. We cannot be confident going into battle trusting God for victory if we don’t have peace that He has already provided our very basic needs.
Let’s re-read Maryann’s reminder from last week, “Putting on the armor of God requires a decision and subsequent action. We put on the belt of truth by seeking God in His word and studying the scriptures. We put on the breastplate of righteousness by acknowledging our need for Christ’s righteousness, developing a purity of heart that converts into actions, and renewing our commitment to God daily—even moment by moment.”
Once we take those two small actions, peace will rule in our hearts. We need peace because we don’t know all the answers, but we trust the One who does. Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) says:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Friends, peace is not only your guard, it is your guide. Let His peace guide you, allowing you to move forward on sure and steadfast footing. His peace is always the right fit for your life. And His peace will hold you steady in every battle.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Isaiah 26:3; Ephesians 2:14, 6:14-15; Romans 5:1; Matthew 26:5; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7