If you have ever seen or heard a woodpecker pecking away at wood you may have wondered something. Why doesn’t their head hurt? That repeated impact against a tree is enough to not only drive you crazy, but cause a lot of damage. Well, God designed them in a way to protect them. They have a special bone and muscle structure that starts at the base of the tongue and wraps around the skull to the forehead, acting like a seatbelt to keep the brain from moving around inside the skull. They have dense muscles that act as a protective armor, while the beak can deform on impact to absorb some of the force. Plus they have thick muscles in the neck contract and absorb some of the impact. You see they are equipped to be able to sustain the constant impacts they endure.
God has equipped us to be able to withstand the onslaught of the enemy. We are told in Ephesians 6:13-18 (KJV) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
This is the armor of God. These pieces of armor are not only for defense, but for advancement as well. The belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness will hold you together and protect your heart. The shoes compared to the Roman armor would have had hobnails (a type of cleat) that would not only keep one from being pushed back, but would give the leverage to push forward. This is the gospel of peace. It not only prevents us from backsliding, but pushing forward against the enemy. The shield of faith was another part of the armor that was defensive and offensive. The shield would obviously protect you from attacks. But also was used to run into the enemy to knock them off balance and to punch an enemy, creating an opening to attack with his sword. The helmet of salvation protects our minds from the enemy’s attacks. Then the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God can be used to fight against the enemy. The instructions don’t stop there. Paul shows us how to apply this armor. We apply this all through prayer.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV). Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong (1 Corinthians 16:13 ISV).
Hebrews 13:20-21 NET 20 Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.