God's Supply List
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Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
– Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
Before each school year begins, parents receive a list of supplies their child needs to prepare for their new class. These lists include paper, pencils and pens, erasers, notebooks, highlighters, pocket folders, and much more. Each list is tailored to the grade in school and the teacher’s plans for the year.
Younger kids are excited to gather new supplies and personalize theirs by choosing those imprinted with a favorite cartoon or movie character. Other kids may be nervous this time of year, especially when moving to a different town or school. Perhaps classroom learning or making new friends is a struggle for them. They may remember a bad experience from previous years and fear that it will happen again.
As parents, we sometimes share those fears and feelings. We want our children to succeed and enjoy learning and have friends they trust and like to play with. We also want to provide them with the emotional tools that help them mature and skillfully handle any obstacles.
God gives us a supply list to do just that. In Ephesians 6:13, God encourages us to take up His armor, His supply list. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Verses 14 thru 17 describe specific pieces of armor to gather; a belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, a helmet of salvation, and the sword of the word of God. We don’t find this armor at the local department store. Instructions for God’s armor are found throughout the Bible where we learn how to put on and apply these essentials in our lives. Does this sound as if we are headed into battle? We are. We recognize the attacks that try to weaken our faith or tempt us to turn from God’s plan for our lives and those of our family. Studying God’s Word and applying what we learn gives us the tools to be prepared for those moments.
Fortunately, God’s supply list doesn’t change year to year. The circumstances of our life will change, but His Word remains steady and His promises are unfailing.
Questions for Reflection:
1. The list of God’s armor includes many pieces. Look at these verses in Ephesians and see which one you can learn and apply first in your spiritual life.
2. Which pieces of armor can you begin to help your child learn as they navigate this next year of their life?
