PREPARE FOR BATTLE

Ephesians 6:12-13 (CEB) “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. Therefore pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand.”

We war against things we cannot see. Our battle is not against God but against “the prince of the power of the air” as one translation of the Bible puts it. That would be Satan. According to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians we have armor
(vv. 14-17) we can put on to defend ourselves against the wiles of the enemy. In all things God provides protection. It is our job to utilize it.

Hebrews 4:12 (CEB) “… God’s word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates to the point that it separates the soul from the spirit and the joints from the marrow. It’s able to judge the heart’s thoughts and intentions.”

The Word of God is a mighty weapon against evil. We must read it and know it to use it effectively. Without it we are walking into a battle zone unprotected. We need to read God’s word just like we need to feed our bodies; to nourish ourselves and help us get stronger. To get stronger in the faith enables us to trust in God all the more, allowing Him to work in us and through us more completely. There is nothing the enemy can do to us that is not allowed by God Himself. If you

doubt that spend some time in the Book of Job, especially the first chapter or two. God knows what He is doing. We don’t always understand what is going on, but that is where our faith and trust kicks in. God can and will enable us to defeat that which hinders us; which thwarts us on every side.

When David, still a boy just prior to his encounter with the mighty Philistine Goliath, was offered King Saul’s armor for protection against his foe, David found that it was way too big for him. The good thing about the armor Paul speaks of in Ephesians is that it is tailor made for us and fits like a glove. God knows what we need in this life. We must tap into His word and begin to live it to feel the full force of His love and protection for us. We must come to the place as His child that every word is true and meant as instruction for us. Take this seriously and you will never be defeated. Blow it off and you are defeated already. Make no mistake about it; there is a right way and a wrong way to following God. Give yourself over to Him and let Him make you into the person He created you to be.

WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!