A ninja skillfully handles a knife, a soldier carefully operates a cannon, and a knight bravely wields a sword … each one properly equipped for the mission, battle, and undertaking at hand.
So too are God’s people suitably armed for the spiritual battlefield, where the enemy is swift, cunning, and determined.
“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” – John 10:10
“[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – 8:44
But God is the Victor who has already overcome. He is everything we need.
“Take heart; I have overcome the world” – 16:33
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – 14:6
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – 10:10
The Warrior and Commander orders believers to garner strength, stand firm, and remain faithful.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful … Resist [the devil], firm in your faith.” – 1 Peter 5:8, 9
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
To do so, He graciously gives believers every tool and truth necessary to endure.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” – Ephesians 6:10-18
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
If I want to survive, I must rest my life in God’s hands and diligently pursue His ways.
Abby
