We Are In A Battle

 “I am a Soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.” -  George S Patton, Jr.

Does that seem like an odd way to begin a Christian devotion? Perhaps - but I guess you should consider the source. I spent a good bit of my life as a soldier. Being a right minded soldier is about being ready to serve with the proper attitude and devotion. Being a right minded Christian is the same thing. Paul often used the analogy of Christians being like soldiers.

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." - 2 Timothy 2:3-4

The life we live once we are born again is a constant battle. We are in constant spiritual warfare. It may not feel like it all the time, but is true nonetheless. As children of God we are enemies of the god of this world and at odds with people who are not born again.  It may not feel like it all the time, but is true nonetheless. We are told to "suit up" in preparation for the struggles we will assuredly face.

"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 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 6:11-13

We fight many battles in this new life - we don't win them all - but we have won the war through faith in Jesus Christ over sin and death. 

"So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?" - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

We had a saying in the Army - we fight the way we train. If you want to be successful in your new life you must put on the full Armor of God. What are we told to do?

"Stand. Gird our waists with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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. Be watchful to this end with all perseverance." - Ephesians 6:4-18

All of those admonishments are deliberate - intentional - actions. They don't just happen on their own. We are not children where someone must dress us, pin a note on our shirt and send us off to school - we are soldiers. Born for battle. Ready to stand our ground. Our eyes fixed on the Lord of Hosts. Our hearts devoted to only One - the Creator God. 

We have no reason to fear. 

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am." - Isaiah 58:8-9

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