Battle Ready

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18

I have a responsibility to build up my faith in Christ. I can do this in hearing the Word of God, talking to Him through prayer, in hearing the testimonies of others, and in remembering what the Lord has done in my own life.

I also have a responsibility to get dressed in His armor. It is not an accident that He provides intentional pieces of armor. Truth is what holds it all together, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, He is the belt that holds together our armor.

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. John 14:6

My very life, my heart and lungs are protected by His righteousness.

God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people’s sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26

My feet are ready to run with the gospel of peace; He is the only one that gives me peace.

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27

Faith shields me from the attacks of the enemy. Faith lets me know who I am in Christ and Believe that He will always be there for me.

No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Salvation protects my mind, knowing He alone can save me. I can keep my mind fixed on Him.

Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.”Acts 4:12

The Word of God is my sword. Jesus used the Word of God to protect Him from the temptations of Satan. It will work for me too.

But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’” Matthew 4:4

I have God’s help through prayer.

In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

Every part of the the armor is necessary. Every piece is provided through Christ Jesus. He withstood the attacks of the enemy so that in Him, I could too.

He also reminds me that although the person in front of me may be invested in the fight or argument, they are not my enemy. My Pastor preached on this yesterday. He pointed out that the enemy tries to distract us with foolish arguments so that we miss what he is doing and get our eyes of God.

My responsibility is to stand in God’s strength. I draw from God in the battle because He has already won the war. Who knows if the strategy of not seeing the other person as my enemy will win them over to Christ’s side as they see Him battle through me not to destroy them, but the yoke that the enemy has on them.

I have the ability to stand in a battle through the strength of Christ. I can build myself up in faith by abiding in His word, staying in prayer and drawing from the past victories in my life and the live of others. God has provided everything I need to stand in the battle and remains available to me as my defender and strength.

Prayer – Lord, I don’t want to be distracted by the enemy. I want to be battle ready, standing strong in You at all times. Help me to remember who the real enemy is. Help me to stand strong in You. You already won the war.