Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Anyone who has ever served in a combat unit well knows the importance of preparedness. To achieve a level of combat readiness, a soldier must train hard, be well equipped and educated in the art of war. He or she must also know the enemy's tactics, strategies, and culture.
The battle grounds that armed forces fight on are physical. Death and mayhem lurks around every corner. House to house, urban fighting has replaced the open field conflicts, which requires a greater sensitivity to combat readiness.
However, inasmuch as soldiers and Marines are trained to enter the battlefields, Christians too must be prepared for war. This war is not fought in the open ground, or in a built-up urban environment. This particular battlefield is unseen. The conflicts that are waged there or spiritual, and we are under constant attack from the enemy.
God has provided us with a great ability to be successful warriors in the spiritual war. He has given us a life free from fear. He has equipped us with His armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the feet of the gospel of peace, and the Sword of the spirit, so we can engage the enemy and withstand his attacks from causing harm to us.
God has give us His word to be our offensive weapon to fight and defeat the barrages of fiery darts from the enemy - our great adversary - Satan.
Just as a soldier trains, we too must train. We train by reading God's word. we train by coming together in one accord and one spirit in the unity of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. For we alone cannot go up against Satan and his army. No matter how well we are equipped. Physically and spiritually, it is defeat if we go alone without the power and might of the Lord.
The bible says God fights our battles, but we are to be responsible for our salvation and safety as well. This by preparing ourselves for battle. Making every preparation for war. For the day is coming when all the hidden things in the spiritual realm will be exposed. Jesus will come back as a Conquering King, and will clash with the satanic and demonic forces that once had us pinned down, and will do away with it once and for all.
Until then, we need to be good soldiers of the faith, diligent in our Christian lives, intentional in our ways of following Christ. For this world is long overdue for a reckoning of God's wrath.
The war for our souls is already at hand, though we may not see it. But Satan wants to destroy you, by destroying your faith and your livelihood.
Your best defense is to be ready for the fight that is coming. Some of us are already engaged. Pastors are under constant daily attacks. The average Christian who shows a little faith in their walk is under reconnaissance by the enemy waiting for the right moment to strike.
The fight is coming, if it isn't already here. Prepare yourself now! As Paul says "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." - Ephesians 6:13
Your servant in Christ
Tom
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