Put On the Armor of God, January 13
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
If you find this devotional inspiring please consider making a donation so we can continue to create powerful devotions for all those impacted by cancer.
Written by David Gira
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11 NIV).
The cancer experience is often described as a battle. He battles cancer. She fights the disease. We celebrate warriors. I do not love the war imagery, but it works. When cancer attacks you and those you love, the battle is on.
Cancer can be terrifying and overwhelming. You may have never fancied yourself a fighter. You can take courage knowing that God has not left you defenseless. He will fight for you, and He will equip you with the “full armor of God.”
A couple of Sundays after my cancer diagnosis, during the worship service, a group of children presented me with the full armor of God. I sat on a stool at the front. They took turns reading the Scripture, as the armor bearers suited me with each component. In this sweet spectacle, the Spirit spoke to me.
The belt of truth had been made of duct tape. On it, they had written with a black marker, “Belt of Truth.” I would need God’s truth. God is love. God is good, even in cancer. The children giggled as they struggled to wrap it around my waist. “It’s too small!” they shouted.
The breastplate of righteousness. I squeezed into the t-shirt with a large, white cancer ribbon on the front and many Bible verses on the back (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, etc.) Staying in a right relationship with God would be key. Remaining close to God and listening to His Word would be crucial.
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The kids grabbed my legs, lifted my feet into the air, and slipped a blue medical shoe cover over each. I was not ready for cancer. But Jesus was. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).
The shield of faith. A parent had made a wooden shield, perfectly shaping it and painting it. He had fastened a handle to the back. Around it, the children had signed their names. Believing and trusting Jesus would protect me.
The helmet of salvation. The plastic, silver knight’s helmet fit well. Jesus had saved me from sin and death. He could handle cancer. I needed to keep my head in the game.
Lastly, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I needed the reminder of the power of Scripture. We encounter Jesus in the Bible. His Word is life and light.
Those first days after my diagnosis felt like an attack. I do not know if cancer is one of the “devil’s schemes.” It is destructive and deadly, and the evil one may delight in it.
What I do know is this: cancer is not God’s ultimate desire for us. Cancer is no match for God. Wherever you are in your cancer journey, even if the combat is intense and you seem to be losing ground, do not give up. Put on the full armor of God and stand firm.
Pray: Lord, the cancer battle is too hard for me to fight alone. Please equip me with the full armor of God, just as You promised You would. Help me trust You to be with me and to fight for me. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to Michael W. Smith sing “Surrounded” (“This is How I Fight my Battles.”) What does this song mean to you? Meditate on these words: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14 NIV). Read Ephesians 6:10-20.
David Gira, Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
