Heads Up, Soldiers!

Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world 

but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God 

[who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]

(1 John 5:5 AMP)

A military commander does not send his troops into battle without the appropriate weapons of defense.  To do so would be sure defeat and unmerciful slaughter.  On the contrary, members of our nation’s military are properly fed, trained and supplied with the best equipment available to meet the demands of their mission.

Why, then, do we fail to recognize that the Commander-in-Chief of spiritual warfare does the same for members of His corps?  God does not send us to battle against evil forces in our own strength and limited resources. Through study of the Scriptures, we are to ready ourselves in advance in order not to be found ill-equipped when caught in the fray.

The fact that we often feel defeated, trapped by situations in which we find ourselves, is evidence that we have failed to properly ready ourselves for battle.  God’s Word names the equipment with which we are to be armed, identifies the enemy whom we will engage, and lays out the battle plan:

1. KNOW YOUR ENEMIES – We are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotism, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of the present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere (Ephesians 6:12 AMP)

2.  KNOW YOUR SOURCE OF SUPPLIES – My God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 AMP)

3.  KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT – Put on God’s complete armor (Ephesians 6:13-17 AMP):

a. Belt = Truth (vs. 14)

b. Breastplate = Integrity, moral rectitude and right standing with God (vs. 14)

        c. Footwear = Firm-footed stability, promptness, and readiness 
            produced by the good news of the Gospel of peace (vs. 15)

d. Shield = Saving faith (vs. 16)

e. Helmet = Salvation (vs. 17)

f. Sword of the Spirit = God’s Word (vs. 17)

4.  KNOW THE BATTLE PLAN –

a. Put on God’s complete armor (vss. 11, 13)

b. Stand [hold your ground] (vs. 14)

c. Pray at all time (on every occasion, in every season) (vs. 18)

        d. Keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance,
            interceding on behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people) (vs.18)

God could not have spelled it out more clearly.  Why then do we often find ourselves inadequately prepared to do battle with the enemies we face every day; battles both within ourselves and all around us?  Perhaps it is that we are not properly trained in the use of the equipment God has provided.  We may fail to go to the Source from which we can obtain help.  Or it may be that we have a misconception about the type of warfare we face and our role as members of God’s army.

It would be unthinkable for a soldier to enter battle ill-prepared; to be unaware that he is in enemy territory; to doubt that there is really an enemy nearby, or that he is safe from possible attack.  To do so would be to endanger himself and his comrades.

When it comes to spiritual battles we face as believers in Christ, failure to recognize the enemy and the danger he presents will cause us to be unprepared when attack comes.  Battle gear with which we are unfamiliar will make defeat a foregone conclusion. 

We do not have to succumb to Satan’s attacks.  God’s Word promises success:

You are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] 

defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], 

because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier)

 than he who is in the world 

(1 John 4:4 AMP)

Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] 

through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57 AMP)

Heads up, soldiers! The enemy is near;
the battle is upon us, but our battle plan is clear.
Our Commanding Officer is God, and He can never fail.
When the battle smoke has cleared, His army will prevail.
So lift your heads up, soldiers!  No need to cringe in fear;
you only have to stand your ground, and victory is near.

                                                                                                      Glenda Collins Inman