What does it mean to stand? Well it’s not sitting, for starters. It’s not lying down. It’s vertical and ready and alert. It’s active and waiting.
Paul uses the word three times in the span of four verses here, and it causes the word to, well, stand out. The word in the Greek is histemi and it means not only to rise from a sitting position, but also to make firm or establish; to be immovable or steadfast; to be ready or prepared, and to not hesitate.
Paul used the word like this: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
And like this: “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
It’s about power, really. It’s about the power of God and the power of the devil, and whose power you’re getting behind. Will God’s power be your power, or will the power of the ruler of the darkness of this age, overpower you?
This chapter in Ephesians is about the armor of God. It’s a well-known set of verses that detail our protection and our defense against the devil: truth, righteousness, the gospel, our faith, the promise of salvation, and the Word of God. And that list is followed by the critical reminder to be always in prayer, with all perseverance and supplication, for you and those around you.
And all of that will enable you to what? To fight? To win? No, all of that will enable you to stand. To be firm, without wavering or falling. To be prepared and protected by the Lord and His promises.
You are not alone. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. Stand, and see the salvation of the Lord.
Light Expectations 