Dressed for Battle

God's timing never ceases to amaze me. Seriously! I've been meaning to write this post ever since I entered this latest skirmish, but I've been too busy fighting the battle to write about it. Thankfully, though it's still going on, it's now calmed enough for me to put some of this into words.

So this morning, as I got up to write, I read my Jesus Calling devotional for today. I highly recommend this quick morning read (will take you only 5 to 15 minutes depending on the time you have to spend with the reference scriptures) to anyone needing to "enjoy peace in His presence." Today's lesson: participating in battles in the spiritual realm. Thank you for the confirmation, God.

What Spiritual Battle?

Most of you reading this right now probably know all too well that you’re in a fight of some kind, but keep in mind, you’re battling more than a person, an economy, or an illness, you’re fighting a spiritual battle. Huh?

Here’s how the Apostle Paul described it: “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” (Eph 6:12, NIV).

Whether you know it or not, if you’re a Christian, at the root of any struggle you’re facing is a spiritual battle. You have two options: Accept this and gear up for the fight. Deny it, and go into the battle naked. I don’t know about you, but if I’ve got to fight anyway, I want the best weapons for the job!

How Do I Fight An Enemy that I Can’t See?

Well if we take a closer look at Ephesians 6, we see that we’re not supposed to try to be strong in ourselves but in the Lord and His power. We’ve got to put on His armor to be able to stand against our enemy’s schemes.

So here’s a little prayer that I pray over myself—out loud—each day as I’m heading back into the world. I’m writing this out for a friend of mine who's in her own battle who said just the other day, "I need to write down that prayer that you prayed over me and start using it each day." Well, here it is...

“Lord, I take on the full armor of God today. I take on the helmet of salvation to take every thought captive to the mind of Christ. I take on the breastplate of righteousness that is the righteousness of Christ Jesus. I take on the belt of truth that I will not deceive others or be deceived. I shod my feet with the gospel of peace that I will walk in peace and take peace with me wherever I go. I take up the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. I take up the sword of the spirit—the word of God—as my offensive weapon.”

As I say this prayer, I visualize putting on all of these pieces of armor. The prayer never fails to give me a boost for the day, and if I believe God’s word, then I know it’s the equipment I need to stand firm in the battle. The last reminder Paul gives us about the fight is to remember to be alert and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests, not just for ourselves but also for all Christians.

As you head out today, stop and take a minute to dress yourself spiritually. And one last reminder before you go: Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world! (I John 4:4) You’re battling a defeated foe. With God’s help, you can face down anything coming your way today with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Go get’m!