ALL OUT WAR
Ephesians 6:10-18
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.
An army that goes to war makes elaborate preparations.
They begin by gathering all the resources and people they will need. In
gathering resources, the army determines its own weaknesses. Preparations and
strategies are put in place to maximize their strengths and shore up their
deficiencies. Every soldier is given a specific duty and equipped for their
role. The enemy themselves are studied. What is their strengths, weaknesses and
resources. Where is the enemy located, what are their strategies and plans.
When the army is ready they move forward into the enemies territory. You can
only defeat an enemy when their territory is overrun and occupied. The army
takes the offensive. Each individual involved in battle is fighting for their
life. This requires determination, watchfulness and diligence on the part of
every combatant.
The Christian, too, is in a war. They battle against
principalities and powers in the physical and spiritual realms. Preparation
begins by gathering the resources God has provided. The Scriptures are studied
and applied to each soldier. Roles are assigned to each Christian according to
God’s gifting of them. Prayer, Bible study and Christian counsel are used to
prepare and equip each person for personal engagement with the enemy.
Inventories of strengths and weaknesses in each person’s life are reviewed.
Spiritual leaders direct the army of believers assigned to him. Goals and plans
are assigned according to each person’s area of life responsibility. Each
person is fitted with the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate
of righteousness, the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield
of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
Prayer: Lead us our
great Jehovah. Cradle us in your arms as we do battle against our foes. Empower
our weaponry in order to destroy the strongholds of Satan. Allow us to see victory
in the lives of those who were once lost, but who are now found in Christ.
