Devotional: On & Off the Battlefield

On & Off the Battlefield

On and off the battlefield, it is imperative we stay in tune with God. For example, too often, we only pray in a crisis. Instead of building ourselves up in faith through a daily relationship with God in prayer, we wait until we're in a crunch. But Paul said prayer was a part of the armor God has given us for stability and protection in this life. He knew it played a vital role in whether we won or lost on the battlefield.

He said, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). The Amplified Bible says, "Put on the armor that God supplies." I like that. Why would I want to design my own armor when the God of the Universe has already handcrafted one for me? Our instruction is to put on the "whole" armor of God - not just the pieces we like or are comfortable with. In fact, the parts of God's armor that I am not confident in, are the very pieces I need to purpose to perfect. Paul said we need to wear our armor so we will be able to stand against all the strategies and tricks of the devil. If you and I choose only to wear the parts of our armor that come easy to us, where do you think the devil will strike first? You can be sure his first aim will be at our vulnerable areas.

So, in order to be functional, we are told to "...take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). This passage is literally telling us "...having done all THE CRISIS REQUIRES, then stand." Yet, many times we find we haven't prepared for the crisis at all, much less done all the crisis requires. Thankfully, we have an instruction manual which clearly describes what we need, why we need it, and how to use it.

Concerning the armor God has supplied, we are first told to "gird our waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14). When I think about something around my waist, I immediately picture an inner-tube that keeps a person afloat. God's truth (which is His Word) is what keeps our head above water. We are in this world, but not of this world. Jesus prayed to the Father, asking on our behalf, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17). As we embrace truth and hold tightly to it, the waves of life might knock us around but they can never take us out.

The breastplate is the portion of armor which covers our vital organs. In the realm of the spirit, the most vital part of any Christian is their identity and worth in Christ. This is why Paul said it was the breastplate of righteousness. Who we are in Christ, and what we have been given in Him, are the result of the great exchange Jesus made when "[God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Next, we're told to "shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15). Peace is a synonym for reconciliation. It would be silly for a soldier to get all geared up and ready for battle, only to have forgotten his boots! We are made for reconciliation. God has removed the barriers that once kept us at a distance and has reconciled us back to Himself through Christ. And now every Christian has been given the "ministry of reconciliation...as though God were pleading through us..." (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Even during times of peace and harmony, we need a pair of good shoes ready to take the gospel to the streets.

Besides covering our waist, feet and vital organs, we cannot forget to carry our shield, wear our helmet, and use our sword. Theses are all parts of our armor also. The "shield of faith [is able] to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16). The devil is an accuser of the brethren. He is forever slinging insults, fears, intimidation, guilt, and the like, at God's children. But our faith in the One who saved us and set free will block the onslaught of Satan every time. The "helmet of salvation" covers and transforms us. Salvation is deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness of mind. By acknowledging these truths, we take on the mind of Christ, changing the way we think, and are made into His likeness.

The "sword of the Spirit, is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). The Psalmist said, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand" (Psalm 149:6). You can see Jesus wielding His sword when He said to the devil, "It is written..." (Matthew 4). If the Son of God found it necessary to use His sword, I think we would be wise to follow His example.

And lastly, we must "pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful..." (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is a part of our armor. It keeps us ready and in tune with God on and off the battlefield of life. James said there is a temptation to be drawn away and enticed by desires of the flesh (James 1:14). And this is when we forget the truth, doubt our righteousness, leave our boots by the door, and in weakness lower our sword and shield. This is also when the enemy attacks. The devil can be as patient as God, "like a lion [waiting and watching]... for whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). But through regular fellowship with our Commander in Chief, we will be prompted to avoid the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

So take up your armor. Get accustomed to it. And PRAY - staying in tune with the One who sees and knows all.