Before we start to put on the “whole armor of God,” we need to be righteously “ripped.” We have to grow stronger ourselves, as we simultaneously gain power from His strength. God’s protection doesn’t work too well if we’re emotionally feeble - if we refuse to exercise and look for a miracle pill after it’s too late! We need to develop noticeable definitions in those spiritual muscles before we can “suit up” and stand against the enemy’s schemes. The good news is that further on in His book, we read that “this present darkness” doesn’t last forever. But, for now, the battle rages on.