Ready for Battle

The church is in a spiritual battle. The enemy is fighting to keep the Holy Spirit from working. The enemy is shrewd. He knows where our weaknesses are. He knows how to attack us in areas of our lives that we are most likely to falter. He is working against us. That is the bad news.

Here is the great news. We have been given the battle plan. We have been given the tools to fight our enemy and we are promised the victory. The Paul tells the Ephesians this:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Where is your armor? Are you wearing it? Are you ready for battle? Or is it rusting in the corner? Getting dusty on the shelf? Brush off your armor this week and spend some time in battle. Read your sword. Put on the belt of truth and helmet of salvation. Fit your feet with the gospel of peace. Sin in your life? Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Take up the shield of faith. I love what Paul says about faith, with which YOU can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one! Finally, pray in the spirit on all occasions! Keep on praying for all the saints! Are you ready for battle?