Ready For Battle

It’s pretty clear by now that there’s a war going on. You might not see the armies lined up to fight, or hear the rumble of artillery fire, but there’s a war. It’s a spiritual battle for the minds and hearts of our children. Adults, too, but children in particular, because they represent the future for humanity.

Ephesians 6:12 confirms that the main fight is spiritual:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Here’s a bit of background on what the Apostle Paul is talking about in Ephesians. He’s already reminded the Ephesians about the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, and that the goal is to live in unity with other believers, no matter where they come from.

Paul prays that God will strengthen the Ephesian Christians with the power of the Holy Spirit. Then he gives specifics about what human relationships should look like – wives and husbands, children and parents, masters and slaves. (Yes, slaves. A reality in Roman culture at the time.) So Paul is instructing the Ephesians about how to live godly and effective lives, in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, unified with other believers. They (and we) must “make the most of every opportunity”. Why? “Because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16)

Paul closes the letter with those familiar words about putting on the “armor of God”. Why do we need God’s armor? Because this is a spiritual battle. It’s a fight against Satan and his demons, whose goal is to stop non-Christians from following God, and derail Christians from walking with Christ. Satan’s aim is to “kill, steal and destroy”, and to entice people into Hell for eternity. But believers are not helpless. In fact, quite the opposite:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

In other words, what we face is serious, and requires serious measures. Just look around you. State-run schools, secular universities, and the media are trying to re-train our children with evolution theory, which tells them they are nothing more than a chance collection of cells. They are being told to judge themselves and others by skin color. They are being fed a twisted sexual ideology that confuses desires with reality and denies God’s healthy plan for relationships. The fundamental damage that is being done here is spiritual, and the real fight is spiritual. So we need spiritual weapons, and spiritual help to win.

Now, more than ever, we must take our stand daily with the armor of God on tight. Have you ever tried to put on this armor? Tomorrow morning, get out your Bible and turn to Ephesians 6:10. As you read, put on God’s armor in prayer, piece by piece: the Belt of Truth. The Breastplate of Righteousness. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation. After all that, you take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the only offensive weapon on the list. There you are, you have started the day, equipped for whatever comes! You are ready to “stand firm” for Christ in the midst of confusion, fear, anxiety, and pressure.

Finally, Paul reminds the Ephesians – and us – that we mustn’t head for the battlefield without praying. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions,” he writes, and “be alert”. Be on your guard. Don’t listen to lies. Pray for your children, your family, your church, your neighbors, and your nation. Talk about your hope in Jesus whenever you have opportunity. Stick up for truth and righteous behavior, and don’t be afraid of the consequences. Get that armor on, stand firm and be faithful, for ultimately, the battle belongs to the Lord.

Standing with you,

Carolyn

P.S. I would love to hear what God does in your life when you wear His holy armor. Send me an email at standinggroundblog@gmail.com and let me know, or leave a comment below. Thanks, and God bless you!