During a visit to an art institute, I observed a German suit of armor made in 1521. None of the other defensive ensembles seemed as complete as this one. It featured vented metal to cover the face; a curved breastplate to deflect blows; metal that continued down the arms, hands, and covered each finger; leg shields that were seamlessly fitted to metal shoes. The craftsman had imagined every possible offensive strike and addressed each in his design.

God has given believers the spiritual equivalent of the gleaming armor I examined at the museum. He wants us to be protected when we face the enemy, so that we will be able to “stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Many of us feel the enemy’s onslaught— whether it’s a barrage of small darts or a single cannonball fired in our direction. Satan may use different kinds of artillery, but wearing God’s protective gear means that the devil can’t knock us down, force us to retreat, or injure our souls.

To stand our ground, we’re told to “put on every piece of God’s armor” (Ephesians 6:13). What kind of a warrior would throw on only a helmet before running into battle, or waltz off to war with just a shield? God’s protective gear includes salvation, righteousness, truth, faith, and the gospel message (Ephesians 6:14-17).

When I think of what God has provided for our spiritual safety, it reminds me that He knows what we’re up against (Ephesians 6:12), and He cares about our welfare during warfare. He hasn’t left us alone to endure suffering as His good soldiers (2 Timothy 2:4).

Let’s make choices that reflect His righteousness; let’s speak the truth in love; let’s hold up the shield of faith. Let’s get suited up.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 17:16-34