Life is full of complex challenges which can be overwhelming. These challenges have frustrated some people to the extent that they despair of life itself, leading them to take drugs, join the occult or even commit suicide, all in a bid to “escape” the reality of life’s problems. I pray that you will never be overwhelmed by the challenges of life in Jesus’ Name. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not say we would be immune from trials and tribulations in life (John 16:33); rather He provided us with the sure armour with which we can confront and triumph over everything the enemy throws at us. To be victorious in life, you need to first understand that life’s most devastating battles are not physical, but spiritual. Challenges that have their origin in the spirit realm have to be confronted with spiritual tools, which might appear foolish to the natural man. To help us be triumphant, Ephesians 6:14 introduces two important components of our armour: Truth and Righteousness.

A life of truth is a transparent and honest life that is based on the word of God, which Jesus declared to be truth (John 17:17). Living a life of truth is powerful (2nd Corinthians 4:2). Lies of any form are of the devil, and so when you live a lie, the devil will have foothold in your life with which to afflict you (John 8:44). However, if your life is based on the truth of God’s word, the devil will find nothing in your life to use against you. This was the situation with the Lord Jesus on the night He was betrayed. The devil came to examine His life to see if indeed He was without sin before going to the cross of Calvary, so that he could accuse Him of it and destroy the work of salvation before the last lap even started. In John 14:30 the Lord said:
“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”
Thank God that Jesus had truth in His armour and there was no lie in Him. Little wonder He declared to Pilate that truth was the purpose of His life (John 18:37).

The breastplate of righteousness is another critical part of our armour. 2nd Corinthians 6:7 says:
“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”
Righteousness is a gift that puts us in right standing with God and produces a life of uprightness in us (Romans 5:17, Ephesians 4:24). Having received the gift of righteousness, we are empowered to do the works of righteousness (1st Corinthians 15:34, Romans 6:18). Standing upon and walking in Christ’s righteousness defeats every range of the devil against us. Are truth and righteousness part of your armour today?
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.