Are you prepared for war?
Our on recent trip to Mexico, Tuesday was not such a great day, though God is His grace still moved in people’s hearts and accomplished good work. On Wednesday morning, we looked at Ephesians 6:10-20. The passage speaks of putting on the whole armor of God in order to be prepared to fight and stand against the attacks of the enemy. I believe that most of us Christians regularly forget that we are in a spiritual war and that war involves battles that happen almost every day. These battles are “not 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.” It is important that every day we put on our armor and prepare for battle. I asked each person to close their eyes and envision themselves putting the armor on. Perhaps even now it would be beneficial for you to do this exercise and to see yourself putting on the armor of God.
What is included in the armor?
Belt – truth
Breastplate – righteousness
Sandals – gospel of peace
Shield – faith
Helmet – assurance of your salvation
Sword of the Spirit – the word of God
Prayer
If you are a follower of Jesus, have you put your armor on today or are you open to the enemies attacks? You will notice that in verse 10, “the brethren” are addressed and told to put the armor on. Collectively there is a strength when an entire local church puts its armor on. Conversely it is difficult for the believers who have put their armor on to see the ones who have not done so being struck down by the enemy. Just like in a physical battle it tears down morale to see your friends taken out on stretchers to the infirmary or worse. And of course it is terrible for the individual who does get hit by a fiery dart.
We are instructed to pray and to do so with perseverance. As I read the passage I am struck by the call to, “be strong…put on the armor of God…stand…quench…pray…speak boldly.” Let’s put on our armor today so that we can have victory in Jesus! So what was the result of putting on the armor of God in Mexico? Wednesday and the rest of the week had much more victory and much less defeat. Are you prepared for spiritual war or will you be easily struck down when the battle rages?
Love 