Battle Zone Ready

Psalm 144:1, "Praise the Lord, my Rock, who trains me for war, who trains me for battle."

“It was the boys first day of junior high. All was going well until three older kids took his lunch, ruffled his hair, and stuffed him in a locker. They snarled at his squeals and high-fived one another as they walked away. What the bullies didn't know, though, was that the kid in the locker was the little brother of the football team’s starting middle linebacker.

     After lunch, the boy told his brother what happened. The brother looked him in the eyes. “Let's go.” As the boy came to his locker, the bullies were waiting for him, grinning. But he hadn't come alone this time. He came in the strength of his older brother. That was the last day they messed with him.” -Garrot Kell, Pastor in Virginia, desiringgod.org

     Unfortunately, this world is facing major battles right now. We see war, we understand war. Fortunately, our soldiers are equipped and ready and we are kept safe.

     As Christians, we are facing a bigger war than being stuffed in a locker or taking over countries. We face an enemy who wants to devour our faith and drag us to death with him. Although, already defeated, satan is living in the present, going after all who live in the Lord. He schemes- 2 Corinthians 2:11, stalks- 1 Peter 5:8, deceives- Revelation 12:9, ensnares- 2 Timothy 2:26, hinders- 1 Thessalonians 2:18, harasses- 2 Corinthians 12:7, he will continually attack us with fiery darts of temptation- Ephesians 6:16.

     This is a war for our hearts and souls, and we can't fight this in our own strength. Jesus came on a mission to rescue us from the enemy- Mark 3:23, Luke 19:10. It was on the cross and at His resurrection, Jesus wounded satan and the world that is against Christians- Colossians 2:15, 1 John 3:8. Jesus now calls every sinner to flee from satan's hold on them and align with Him and His everlasting Kingdom- Acts 17:30. All Christians have been commissioned to join Jesus in spreading the gospel- Matthew 28:18-20. Yes, following Jesus will lead us into the war zone but we are not alone. With our Savior He equips us- Ephesians 4:7-16 and He empowers us- 1 Corinthians 12:11.

     Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to suit up so we are able to stand against satan and his schemes. God's armor isn't like going to your closet to mix and match, or switch out clothes for whatever season we're in. This is a spiritual battle, and we are to put on the spiritual armor by faith, daily. Let's look at each piece of armor in a simple way today.

Belt of Truth- securing God's truth against lies and deception. Putting on the belt of truth is an act of faith that resists satan's lies.

     “I will speak the truth and believe God's Word daily!”

Breastplate of Righteousness- protecting your heart from the devil's schemes by aligning yourself with God's character.

     “I will choose to do what is right and good even when it's hard or the world looks appealing.”

Shoes of Gospel and Peace- walking in readiness to spread the gospel in God's love to others. Having confidence and calmness, no matter the circumstances, that God's got this!

     “I will be kind and forgiving bringing peace wherever I go.”

Shield of Faith- blocking the lies of the devil, not allowing fear, anxiety, or doubt to lose my hope and trust in God's love and goodness.

     “I will walk by faith in God no matter seen or unseen.”

Helmet of Salvation- guarding your mind against the negatives in the world. Keeping your thoughts focused on godly things affirming your identity in Christ.

     “I am saved and I belong to Jesus!”

Sword of the Spirit- using God's Word as your weapon against the devil and temptations. Claiming as Jesus did, ‘It is written’.

     “I will speak God's Word with power! I will use God's Word when I feel sad, scared, or facing temptations.”

     When we suit up using God's armor before facing each day, we will find it so much easier to stand firm against not only the devil's attacks, but what this world throws at us. We will have victory rather than crumbling under pressure.

     There is one last piece of armor that is a must in the spiritual battle. This piece will activate and strengthen all the other pieces, and it will draw us closer to Jesus: prayer. Prayer is our link to Jesus, and it is in prayer that we are shown how to win the battles.

     We will fall, yes. That is the devil's plan. Find our weaknesses, even in the mundane daily life, and fire his darts. We may fall at times, but when we go into battle with Christ we will not fail because, ‘he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world’- 1 John 4:4. Jesus will not allow us to be snatched from His grasp- John 10:28 when we go into each day with Him leading, when those fiery darts strike, ‘the Lord will throw us over his shoulders and take us to green pastures and still waters where he restores our soul’- Psalm 23:1-3.

     So, we must do our part and suit up so we are battle zone ready. Know you cannot win on your own strength and use the Lord's help to resist the devil. The victory is already won, stand firm in that victory. With God on your side, you can do it.

     Daily, use the following prayer when you suit up, and no matter what you face, cling to the following affirmations:

      Heavenly Father, as I wake up and put on the full armor of God today help it to protect my life from the schemes of the enemy. As I buckle on the Belt of Truth help it to protect me from lies and deception because I choose to live in your truth today, standing firm on Your Word. As I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness help it to guard my heart, emotions, and character from sin and shame. Thank you for making me righteous through Jesus. As I fit my feet with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace I choose to walk in your peace and bring your peace to every situation I encounter. As I take up the Shield of Faith help it to extinguish all the flaming arrows the evil one throws at me. As I put on the Helmet of Salvation help it to guard my mind and thoughts against doubt, protecting my assurance in you. As I take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, help me to use it to proactively, combat lies with your truth. Today I dedicate myself to prayer and intercession, walking in your strength rather than my own. Thank you, Lord, for victory in Jesus' name, amen.

Affirmation:

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ - Philippians 4:13

‘I will fear no evil’- Psalm 23:4

‘The Lord is my rock my fortress and deliverer’- Psalm 18:2

‘I will trust in the Lord with all my heart’- Proverbs 3:5

‘Fear is a liar’- Joshua 1:9

‘I will not be moved’ - Psalm 25:1

‘If God is for me who can be against me’ - Romans 8:31

‘God is my strength and shield’ - Psalm 28:7

‘No weapon formed against me shall prosper’ - Isaiah 54:17

‘I am more than a conqueror through him that loves me’ - Romans 8:37

‘I am the head not the tail’ - Deuteronomy 28:13

‘The Lord will fight for me’ - Exodus 14:14

‘I was created for such a time as this’ - Esther 4:14

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