If you’re familiar with the armor of God described in Ephesians 6, you may think I pulled our declaration from there, but actually, I drew it out of 1 Thessalonians 5.

Breastplates and helmets are important pieces of armor, protecting the most vulnerable parts of our bodies and souls—the heart and mind. How fitting that today’s verses refer to faith and love as our breastplate and the hope of salvation as our helmet.

I was tempted to read the verses supporting our declaration in context, but was afraid the sensationalism that often surrounds prophecy about end-time events would divert our focus from the point I want to make, which is that believers are protected. Period.

Faith, hope and love not only shield us from the wrath of God that will be poured out in the last days, but our salvation protects and delivers us from evil. All evil. Always—whether we are living in the last days or not.

I had lunch with a friend on Monday, and when I asked if she thought these were the last days, she said that 2,000 years ago, after Christ’s resurrection and ascension, we started living in the last days. The fact that we’re closer now than they were back then doesn’t really matter. 2,000 years ago, the disciples were just as anxious for King Jesus to rule and reign on earth. In fact, in the 40 days after Jesus’s resurrection, prior to his ascension, they kept asking him if the time had finally come. (Read about it in Acts 1:6-11.)

The Holy Spirit is in you like a fire, my friend, and faith, hope and love protect you like armor. I encourage you to be a light in this dark world—here and now. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be concerned about days and times. Instead—be the witness Jesus has equipped you to be, and testify to the truth that Jesus is King. Now and forever.

I invite you to visit my website at shawnamariebryant.com for access to free resources that will strengthen your walk with God, and especially encourage you to look for and listen to the first chapter of my audiobook version of Longing to Belong because it served as the catalyst for starting this podcast.