DRESSED FOR BATTLE
If you watch the news for more than 1 minute, you know there are many battles being fought in the world today.
We have all seen the eyes of a soldier in combat, dressed for battle. Their resolve is fixed; they have done their preparation and will fight the enemy. Whatever that takes. Whatever that means. Whatever that involves.
I’ll never forget the picture I saw of a soldiers casket, draped in his countries flag, while his dog forlorn and silent, lay beside his master’s body.
Gut wrenching.
War is ugly. It plays for keeps.
Jesus has told us ahead of time, before He comes – there will be wars.
“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars, see that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass …” Matthew 24:6
Oftentimes our lives feel like we are at war as well. Our attacker is unseen. He gathers evil forces against us, attempt to invade our families, hurls accusations, yes, we are fighting a battle too. An invisible one.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”. Ephesians 6:12
The first time I pondered “spiritual hosts of wickedness”, I thought of the word hosts, which means a multitude of wicked forces …
I then understood why we need Jesus – our Saviour, as our Commander and Chief, the Leader of our battle, the One who has already conquered our foe.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. Ephesians 6:11
The apostle Paul explains how to be “dressed for battle” it’s called the Armour of God. This protection must be important as he reminds us to “put it on daily”.
This is how I understand it, simply:
Stand strong, full of truth and live right. Walk in peace. Know what you believe and stay full of faith. This will disarm the evil one. Believe God will save you. Read God’s Word. Use it as a sword in battle. Pray always (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Today’s Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I have a few battles that I am fighting, ones from without and ones within. I often wonder – do I have what it takes to make it, to keep soldiering on? I am drawing near to you Lord, and you said if I do, you would come close to me. Give me tenacity and courage to be dressed for battle; putting on the Armour of God daily and standing firm against the evil one”.