“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle [battle] 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. 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 6:10-13
“Our Lord’s making of a disciple is supernatural. God does not ask
us to do the things that are naturally easy for us— He only asks us to do the
things that we are perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the
cross we must bear will always come.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His
Highest
Martie and I were chatting the other day when she mentioned that the
pursuit of our spiritual life is like a battle. I was immediately reminded of
Ephesians 6:12 and putting on the “full armor of God”.
Girded your waist with truth – so as to avoid becoming entangles in
the affairs of this world and your culture.
Put on the breastplate of righteousness – to protect your vital organs –
that being your heart. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of
peace – so wherever you go you bring the influence and presence of the Spirit
of God. Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked one - temptation. Take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful. But most importantly –
be ready to Stand and Fight the spiritual battle.
Suited up for battle – fully equipped to deal with what the enemy
brings you way. I read an article the
other day on thoughts about why the Afghan army failed and the country was lost
to the Taliban. The write, an instructor at Army War College, said that it is
not that they were not trained – they had been trained for the past 20 years –
it is that they lacked the heart – the dedication to fight and even die in that
fighting. [Or perhaps they do not view
loyalty to their country in the same way that the Western Culture does] It is
not that they were not equipped – they were – it is that they failed to use the
training and equipment when the battle was upon them – when they came face to face
with the enemy. Instead of fighting – they gave up. It was the story of the
Mouse That Roared, a 1955 Cold War satirical novel by Irish American writer
Leonard Wibberley. If you recall, a tiny European country defeated the United States
in a war without firing a shot.
Each of us, Christians, is faced with a challenge every day – the battle
is raging around us. Satan – the mouse –
does not have the power to defeat us – but we have the ability to pay our weapons
down because we lack the heart – the will – the faith to stand against the
wiles of the devil. We are willing to
lay our lives down – but instead surrender to a weak enemy. We will yield to
PTSD because if we are not committed – not devoted fully to God. We are in a battle my friends – a spiritual
battle. My encouragement to you?
“…. by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans
12:1-2
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it –
Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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