“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.” Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
If I need weapons, that must mean I’m in a battle. Weapons aren’t issued for idyllic times. And God Himself has issued me specific weapons. My job is to take them and use them so I am always prepared for an attack…a bold, in-my-face attack or a sneaky behind-my-back attack. Either one, I will still be standing when it’s all said and done.
God’s weapons don’t seem like weapons to me. They seem like clothing. Something I put on that covers me.
That’s it! His weapons do all the work. Just like I put on layers of clothes to keep the cold away as it’s the nature of the layers that provides the weapons against the cold. Same with God’s weapons. It’s His nature that I “put on” and He protects me from the battles that rage against me.
However, I need to take His weapons. I need to recognize that I need all the help I can get. Just like the battle of staying warm in a Polar Vortex of frigid, below-zero, double-digit temperatures, I can know all about how layering works to stay the cold, but if I don’t take that “weapon” and put it on, I certainly won’t be prepared. My body is up against far more than it can handle on its own.
But God’s weapons are for a lifetime of use. They never wear out. They will always blaze the way before me and protect me. (Remember, you’ll be standing when all that’s left is the shouting.) Truth will always win out!
Righteousness (being right with God) is a gift for the taking.
Peace…the peace of God that passes all understanding…will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Faith takes God at His Word and acts on it.
Salvation assures us that we walk with God here and live forever with God there!
God’s Word, the Bible, will be on the attack, allowing you to be strong in what you say and do.
And prayer…two-way communication with your Most High General…is essential for navigating through the battles. If that communication is damaged, you will wander aimlessly into the enemy’s territory making you a prime target.
Why wouldn’t you want to keep in constant communication with the One who can give you victory? The One who sees the Big Picture? Not the little snapshot you see.
Keep your eyes open. See what He sees. Take your God-issued weapons. Be prepared. Read His Victory Log, the Bible! And pray…that person who advances on his knees, never retreats!
