4:106 – It’s Time for Battle! Suit Up

#faithbites #faithjourney

Setting

War. War never changes. Sorry, I had to use that line from a video game series that deals with the post-apocalyptic world and battle after battle. This isn’t what this #faithbites is about. We are at war. I’m not talking about an Earthy war or even a cultural or political war. This war is a war against Satan and evil. The battlefield is fought on social media, media, in our classrooms, hallways, watercoolers, houses of worship, and just about everywhere. When we fight one another, we let Satan win. We need to be a unified people of God against evil.

I don’t know what the battlefield looks like. I want to be prepared and God gives us the armor and weapons we need to be successful. We just have to Suit up.

Today’s Questions: Are you wearing the whole armor of God? Who is the enemy? How are you suiting up to be ready for the battle to come?

Scripture

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)- Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:10-10 (MSG) –

^10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Reflection

God gives us all the tools we need to fight and win. As Christian, we need to make sure we are fighting the right battles. Those battles that separate God’s people are not the ones to win. The Devil wins when we turn our back to the poor, the underserved, the unchurched, the foreigner, and those not like us. They are all children of God and he wants us to love them.

Above are two translations of the “Whole Armor of God”. Which one stands out to you? The Message version tells us clearly that we can’t win without God. We need His Armor, His Word, and HIs help to win. Prayer is the mightiest of weapons to defeat Satan. And above all, we are to keep each other’s spirits up. We are, to use a Roman Legion analogy, need to lock shields and stay in formation.

While this #faithbites is inspired by our PLI immersion, it’s one that anyone can take and live by. We need each other to be one with the Word of God to win the battle. Skirmishes that break out amongst us only divide. We need to multiply the skills and treasures that God has given us.

As we close, think about how you will suit up in God’s Armor and what battles you will choose to enter. God is on your side and will give you the tools and people to win any battle you face. Pray! Trust! Succeed!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we are often challenged by what we see in the world. Fighting against Satan is hard. It is much easier to target those with who we don’t agree and go to war with them. We pray that you make clear the battles you want us to fight in. We also pray that you help us use the right tools in the right situations to make your will known and clear.

Lord, we know you want us to love you and love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us strike this balance and put our full trust in you. When we do that, there is no way we can fail. In your name, we pray, Amen.