Are You Dressed for Battle?
Obviously, when you wake up in the morning to get ready for the day, you are probably not thinking about stepping onto a battlefield, standing on the front lines of combat with no protection.
In our life’s journey, both good and bad will be experienced, and we do not know what will come or when. These unexpected and unpredictable circumstances are a part of life. We cannot control, understand, or anticipate what life will offer.
The race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, … for time and chance overtake them all. For indeed, a person does not know his time: like fish that are caught in a treacherous net and birds caught in a snare, so the sons of mankind are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 NASB)
I experienced a very unlikely situation years ago. I was invited to attend an Easter service with my best friend, whom I hadn’t seen for several years. She also asked me to her home for breakfast before the service. Just seeing her brought back many happy childhood memories. We always had lots of fun together laughing, giggling, joking, and telling funny stories.
As I was finishing my breakfast, I heard her say, “I am ready to go!” She strutted to the door in style wearing her high-heeled shoes with matching purse, beautiful hat, earrings, makeup on, and a stunning hairstyle. However, she failed to put on her dress ... on purpose, to be funny!
I could not believe my eyes! “Go right ahead,” I said, “but I am not going with you! You won’t make it down the flight of stairs without being assaulted or arrested before you get into the car.” We both burst out laughing!
Even though my friend was always full of jokes, many times, Christians are walking around undressed and vulnerable by not choosing to put on the spiritual armor, which is a solid defense against the enemy.
As believers, we need to be alert and ready to fight, standing against the violent spiritual battle being waged for our souls. The enemy’s continual attacks are meant to destroy and weaken our faith. The enemy of our faith must be fought on a spiritual battlefield.
The armor of God described in Ephesians 6:13-17 is the spiritual armor for a spiritual assault that must be worn daily—so we can be equipped and prepared for attacks against us when evil days and circumstances come:
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
A Roman soldier would never go out to battle without his helmet, breastplate, sword, and complete fighting gear. Each piece had a specific purpose and was designed for their protection and covering. Just as a soldier would not go to battle unprepared, we also should be fully ready for the attacks we will face.
Jesus told us that in this life we would experience troubles. However, He fills us with strength, wisdom, and discernment through His Spirit to stay strong in the battle. He never leaves us to fend for ourselves and fight in our own strength. The battle is ultimately God’s, but we all have an active part to play. Putting on the armor of God is the first step to being victorious. But the armor is incomplete if it is not put on with prayer.
Yes, spiritual warfare is a reality, so we need to dress for the battle!
Have you armed yourself with supernatural armor to stand firm in this war that we fight every day or are you heading out barely dressed?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your armor to walk in Kingdom power and authority. Your hedge of protection gives us confidence that no matter what the battles bring, You will uphold and sustain us. You give us all we need to stand strong and have victory over the battlefields of our mind, heart, and soul. We know that prayer is what keeps the armor in place—and with consistent, fervent prayers, the battles will be won. I pray in the matchless and mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
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Scripture quotations are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
