Preparing for Battle

In Ephesians 6: 10, 11, Paul tells us that we need to prepare for a battle. We are warriors in a battle, and we are to be strong. Paul says: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." In the amplified version it gives more detail: "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him); draw your strength from Him (that strength which His boundless might provides). Put on God’s whole armor (the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies), that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil."

We are at war, a battle every day. Though it is unseen by our human sight, it is a very real battle. In verse 12 (again from the Amplified version) Paul says: "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents), but against the despotisms, against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."

If we are in such a great battle, how are we going to stand against the forces we cannot even see? As it said in verse 11, we are to put on God's whole armor, which He supplies us with. And then in verse 13 he tells us again: "Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day (of danger), and having done all (the crisis demands), to stand (firmly in your place)." We are given spiritual armor with which we can stand firm and fight against these evil powers that would like to destroy us. He has not left us helpless, but He has left us with a responsibility, and that is that we must pick up each piece of armor and make use of it. For the next few weeks I will go through each piece of this armor to help us know just how to use it and put it on.

My Prayer: David told Goliath: "…I come against you in the name of the Lord…" (I Samuel 17:45). Your name, Oh Lord, is above all names! Your Glory is above all the earth! Without You I am nothing, but with You I can do all things. With You, nothing is impossible! Satan may have his schemes and lies, but You have conquered Satan. You have crushed his head. Your armor will cover me. Psalm 27:1 states: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life…" I have confidence in You! I will wear Your armor! Amen