We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a wedding, special event, or even a nice night out, the question always arises. What do I wear? We put a lot of thought into just the right ensemble for the occasion. The weather outside is usually factored in. Of course, we question others attending and what they’ve decided on. What exactly is business casual or formal attire anyway? Everyone usually has their own opinion on the matter. It’s pretty much inconclusive. I will tell you, the one outfit we pay least attention to though, is actually our most important. And it NEVER changes. 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 NLT)

My friends, life is not all dinners and parties. It may look like it from our view. We enjoy those festivities. No, we’re in a battle that so few seem to notice. The Lord, however, knows this and is concerned about you wearing the right garment. The Book of Ephesians describes the armor in detail. I would encourage you to become familiar with this. We need to clothe ourselves every day with this custom designed suit. Only then will we be standing firm against the devices of the enemy. Everyone’s struggles are different. Mine may not be yours. Bottom line is, God has this suit of armor specifically for these tactics used against us. It’s crucial to our very existence that we have on God’s armor. Any place that we’re in lack is an open target for the enemy to take a shot. 

The enemy uses all sorts of fiery darts to hurl at us. Some darts may be the enticement of harmful habits that we just can’t seem to lay down. Some may be anger issues that need to be dealt with. Some may be that co-worker that completely gets under your skin every time they speak. Let’s be clear here, 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 NLT) People are not your problem. It’s always the enemy using them to rub you the wrong way. God loves people and so should we. They, a lot of the time, are just blinded to God’s truth and His ways. So, we pray. We pray in all of these situations. We have on our “belt of truth”. We get in God’s word and find out what He has to say about such matters. 

This battle we’re in is unseen. Therefore, it’s easy to let your guard down and ignore it. But oh, how the effects of the arrows hitting the bullseye are felt. This is why we must put on the armor daily. David, before he was king, put on his armor to slay a giant. 

And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

…and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand. (‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭37, 45, 47‬ ESV) 

This was obviously a real giant of a person David defeated. But we have real giants in our lives that aren’t just in stature. These “giants” are taunting us and making us think they control us and are more powerful than they really are. Wrong! We, like David, put our eyes on the Lord and know He has already won the victory. There’s nothing greater than our Lord!

The battles we face every day are just reminders that we’re foreigners in this land. We don’t think like the world thinks. We don’t act how the world acts. There’s something special about the King’s sons and daughters. Children of the Most High certainly should not be intimidated by anything or anyone that opposes what we stand for. Don’t worry about what everyone thinks of you. Instead, live your life for an audience of One. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭3-4‬ ESV)

So, when the alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning, you have a very important choice to make. It’s about what to wear. It’s not found in your closet. No, it’s found on the pages of God’s manual for daily living. Your Bible will equip you for anything you will ever face on this side of Heaven. Get to know what it says. Get to know it intimately. Only then will you be able to answer your critics when they come knocking. Decide before you collide on what you’re wearing to the battleground. Put on all of God’s armor and slay a giant for Jesus!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.