Armor of God Coloring Page

Today I’m sharing a new coloring page based on Ephesians 6:11-17. These verses instruct us to “Put on the full armor of God…” This is such a key passage for believers when it comes to living a victorious life! But it’s also important to remember that we fighting a spiritual battle, not a physical one.

America Tonight recently interviewed our family about our beliefs. The reporter mainly wanted to know how our faith impacts our family planning decisions. But he also asked whether we’re trying to raise up an “Army for God.”

It’s not the first time we’ve gotten that question. Frankly, it makes me a little uncomfortable every time it happens.

I fear that, for many non-Christians, the phrase might conjure mental images of highly suspicious folk who live in isolation, stockpile weapons, and practice military drills with their kiddos for fun.

That certainly does not describe my family.

The Bible does use a lot of military metaphors. Yet it tells us clearly that “our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The Armor of God

The equipment God provides us for these spiritual battles include all of the following:

• The Helmet of Salvation

  “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

• The Breastplate of Righteousness

  “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• The Shield of Faith

  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

• Loins Girded with Truth

  “Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” (Proverbs 23:23)

• The Sword of the Spirit

  “For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

• Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

  “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)

Our Common Foe

We have an enemy, yes. But our enemy is not flesh and blood. It’s not liberal Democrats or radical feminists. Not gay activists. Not even Islamic extremists. Our real enemy is not our fellow man — no matter how different our faith, lifestyle, philosophy, or voting records may be.

Our true enemy is Satan. He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) Yet God has called–and equipped!–us to stand firm against his schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)

This is our prayer

As parents, we want to train our children to do the same. We want our kids to…

• Stand firm against Satan’s devices (Ephesians 6:11)
• Boldly engage the culture (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Shine as a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:16)
• Always and only speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Articulate their beliefs with grace and humility (Colossians 4:6)
• Respectfully discuss matters of faith with people who think differently — including reporters who ask probing questions on camera 🙂 (Philippians 3:15)
• Be ready in and out of season to give a reason for the hope that lies within them (1 Peter 3:15)
• Recognize the difference between our one true enemy and the captives he compels to labor on his behalf (2 Timothy 2:26)
• Daily take up the full armor of God, so that they will be able to stand firm in the evil day. (Ephesians 6:13)

These are our prayers not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. Doug and I have prayed daily for all of them since before they were ever born. And God has been so faithful to answer our prayers — the chief of which is that He would draw them to Himself from an early age and help them live in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

Praying for Your Children

Perhaps you haven’t been as consistent about praying for yourself or your kids as you’d like. Well, it’s never too late to begin! You may want to download one of our printable prayer guides to help you get started:

• Praying for Your Unborn Child
• Pray for Your Children from Head to Toe
• Your Teen Needs Prayer
• Praying for Your Adult Children
• Pray Boldly for Yourself

Each of these prayers are firmly grounded in Scripture. I love praying the Word over my family. I can do so with full confidence, knowing that I am praying with the mind of Christ.

Maybe that’s why Heidi St. John’s newest book, Prayers for the Battlefield, so resonates with me. Her prayers are absolutely drenched with Scripture.

I’ve been reading an advanced review copy of her book while our family has been on vacation. But I can hardly wait for it to get my hard copy so I can transfer all my notes and underlinings into it.

Although Prayers for the Battlefield will not be out for a few more weeks, you can pre-order now on Amazon (and if you buy through my affiliate link, you will help support the ministry of my website, as well — so thanks!). I hope it will be as much a blessing and encouragement to you as it has been to me!