By Josh Kerby and Tim Krejci
There are battles that go on every day. Most of the battles we hear about involve guns and planes. These battles sometimes take place close to home. Sometimes they are across the ocean. These battles are pretty insignificant compared to the battles that we can’t see. These are the battles we fight every day, the battles between our Christian walk, and the world. They are classic battles between good and evil, and they rage on inside each one of us every day.
When soldiers prepare for battles, they must learn tactics, prepare physically, and work together. All of these things must be learned before a soldier even sees their first battle. Although these are necessary skills to be learned, they can never fight a spiritual battle. This epic battle takes place in our hearts with God and His angles against satan and his demons. It is an unnerving thought, but this battle happens every day whether we realize it or not. Sometimes these battles come in the form of depression, anxiety, anger, etc. How do we fight a battle of this proportion? How do we fight a battle we can’t see? It’s simple! It’s preparing ourselves spiritually, just like a soldier does before going out onto the battleground.
“Spiritual Christians look upon the world not as a
playground but as a battleground.” -AW Tozer
When God becomes our everything, and we begin to put our faith and trust in Him, satan becomes infuriated, so he starts to attack us. He sends his armies of the fallen to stop us. Satan hates it when we share the gospel and spread the good news. Satan hates it when we follow God’s will, when we trust and have faith in God. Prepare for the battles, because they are coming. They will be rough battles, epic battles, but also glorious battles. Even in the midst of these battles have hope, the General of the heavenly army marches out in front before we even see the battleground. Even though satan will try and stop us, if we call upon the Lord, we will always prevail. Satan will never win a battle, no matter how hard he tries; our God is an awesome God, who will always continue to fight for us.
Paul gives some good instructions on how to prepare, which is found in Ephesians 6: 10-18.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Paul tells us to put on the full Armor of God. By putting on the full Armor of God, we prepare ourselves for battle. He tells us to fasten on the Belt of Truth. Learn what is true. Study and seek it in prayer. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Stand firm to what is right, know what is right, and don’t yield to wickedness. Put onto your feet the Gospel of Peace. Find peace in the good news as you run into battle. Take up the shield of faith. This shield is used to stop all the blows of the enemy. Have faith in God that He will protect you in this battle. Put on the Helmet of Salvations. Your salvation is found in Christ Jesus. He has already saved you and will protect you from the blows to your head. Lastly take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word. Study the Bible. Don’t just learn it, but be transformed by it. Attack the enemy with God’s powerful words. The enemy trembles and runs when you speak the truth. We must take up the whole armor of God, not just parts of it but every piece. Just as a soldier prepares and trains for the battleground, this is how we must prepare for the spiritual battleground. We must prepare for this battle. The way we prepare is through God’s armor.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
This week, call upon God. Pray every day that God will suit us up in His Armor. Walk into battle with your head up high, because the battle is already won. Satan will never get the upper hand on you if you remain steadfast in prayer. Satan will never win if you study God’s word day and night and be transformed by it. Satan will never win if you call on God to fight this battle. God has already won the battle, so who’s side will you be on? Who will you call in the midst of war? Who will lead you onto the Battleground?
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