Therefore I stationed some of the people
behind the lowest points of the wall
at the exposed places,
posting them by families,
with their swords, spears and bows.
Nehemiah 4:13
It is wise to know where we are vulnerable – “the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places.” It is wise to work closely with others we know and trust – “posting them by families.” It is wise to have the right equipment to do a job – “with their swords, spears and bows.”
The apostle Paul wrote these words:
Put on the full armor of God,
so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:11, 13
It is interesting that Paul says, “so that WHEN the day of evil comes…” He does not say, “IF the day of evil comes.”
We are in a war. We have a real enemy. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. His strategy is to divide and conquer. We need to be watchful and ready for battle every day.
Every day when we get up, we get dressed as we get ready for the day. We put on different clothes depending on what lies ahead of us that day.
Do we get up every day and put on the armor of God? Do we get ready for whatever may come our way spiritually? Do we put on truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith and our salvation by taking up God’s word and reading it – by getting on our knees and praying?
The day of evil will come. We need to be prepared.
Today, ask Jesus to help you take seriously this called to put on the full armor of God so that we can face the enemy. And if you are not in a Life Group or some other small group for encouragement and accountability, seriously consider joining one. It will give you a “family” that will stand with you as you seek to be on guard in the “lowest points… and exposed places” of your heart, soul and life.
