Are You Ready for Battle?
Insights from The Weekly REBOOT
By: Bryan Flanery
I’m not going to spoil too much, but today we’re starting off by talking about something many of us have heard of — the armor of God. You’ve probably seen it on greeting cards, heard it preached from the stage, or maybe even memorized the passage. But here’s the thing — hearing about the armor of God and actually being ready to use it are two very different things.
So, let’s jump right into Ephesians 6:10-18. Paul paints this incredible picture of spiritual armor — not just symbolic, but essential for surviving the spiritual battles we face daily.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” — Ephesians 6:14-18
The Real Question: Are You Equipped?
When Paul wrote this, he wasn’t just giving a metaphor to make Christians feel good. He was warning believers to be ready for spiritual warfare. Life isn’t just about what’s happening in the physical — there’s a very real spiritual battle happening all around us. And just like a soldier wouldn’t dare enter a war zone without his gear, we shouldn’t step into our day without putting on the full armor of God.
But here’s the thing: having armor and knowing how to use it are two different things. So let’s break it down and see if you’re truly ready for battle.
1. Do You Know the Truth?
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” (Eph. 6:14)
The belt of truth holds everything together. Without truth, everything falls apart. But here’s the question: Do you know what’s true? Are you grounded in God’s Word, or are you letting the world define truth for you?
When lies creep in — lies about your identity, your worth, or your purpose — truth is what holds you firm. Without it, deception seeps in and weakens your defense. If you don’t know the truth, you won’t recognize a lie when it comes.
2. Is Your Heart Protected?
“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Eph. 6:14)
The breastplate of righteousness protects your heart — the center of your emotions, desires, and decisions. Righteousness isn’t just about being morally “good.” It’s about being in right standing with God through Jesus and living a life that reflects that.
Is your heart guarded, or is it vulnerable to sin and compromise? If your heart is unprotected, it’s easier for bitterness, pride, and temptation to creep in.
3. Are Your Feet Ready?
“…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph. 6:15)
The gospel of peace gives us stability and direction. Are you ready to go where God calls you? Are you prepared to share the good news, even when it’s uncomfortable?
If your feet aren’t fitted and ready, you’ll be caught off guard, unable to stand firm when challenges hit.
4. Do You Have Faith to Defend Yourself?
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Eph. 6:16)
Let’s be real — life throws flaming arrows at us all the time. Sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships — they’re not random. They’re targeted attacks meant to break your faith.
When those arrows fly, is your faith strong enough to shield you? Faith isn’t just believing when things are good. It’s trusting when everything falls apart. If your faith isn’t strong now, don’t wait until the battle starts to build it.
5. Is Your Mind Protected?
“Take the helmet of salvation…” (Eph. 6:17)
The helmet of salvation protects your mind — your thoughts, doubts, and beliefs. The enemy loves to attack your mind because if he can get control of your thoughts, he can control your actions.
Are your thoughts rooted in the truth of salvation? Or are you allowing fear, anxiety, and doubt to take over? The helmet reminds you of who you are in Christ and secures your mind in His promises.
6. Do You Know How to Use Your Weapon?
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)
The sword of the Spirit — God’s Word — is the only offensive weapon in the armor. But here’s a sobering thought: A sword doesn’t do any good if you don’t know how to use it.
Most people wait until they’re in the heat of battle to pick up their sword. They scramble to find a verse when life gets hard. But just like a soldier spends hours on the range sharpening his skills, we need to spend time in God’s Word before the battle begins.
Do you know the Word? Is it embedded in your heart, ready to defend and fight when the enemy attacks?
7. Are You Staying Connected to Your Commander?
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Eph. 6:18)
Prayer isn’t technically listed as part of the armor, but it’s the glue that holds it all together. Are you staying connected to God through prayer? Without communication with your Commander, how can you know the battle plan?
The Cold, Hard Truth
Here’s the bottom line — if you’re missing even one piece of armor, you’re vulnerable. Faith, truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer — they all work together to equip us for the battles we face.
If you’re not prepared, the enemy doesn’t have to work hard to take you down. But when you’re fully equipped, standing firm, and staying connected to the One who leads you — you’re unstoppable.
So, Are You Ready?
I don’t know what battles you’re facing. I don’t know what’s trying to take you out. But here’s what I do know: You don’t have to fight unarmed.
When you put on the full armor of God, your pain turns into purpose, and your battles become victories. You were never meant to fight alone, and you were never meant to fight unprepared.
So, let me ask you one more time — are you ready for battle?
