~Preparing for War~
Monday, September 03, 2018
Are you ever truly prepared for war? How many of us wake up and say, “I am ready to battle?” I don't know about you, but I wake up wanting my day to be full of good cheer, love and fun. I know, wishful thinking! When I think of "preparing for war" I automatically think of someone putting on armor, grabbing their weapons and heading out to face whatever obstacle lay in their path. When you think about it, this is exactly how you would prepare for any war, especially a spiritual war. Although in a spiritual war you are not fighting in the physical, but you must prepare the same. You must remain battle ready. This may seem extreme, but what do you think will happen if you are not battle ready? The outcome of your situation may not turn out like you hope.
Preparing for war is a vigorous process that requires skill, discipline and focus. Our armed forces go through months of training to be prepared to enter the battle zone. When they are not in battle, they continue training and doing activities that will keep them ready to go into combat at any time. We know that our enemy, the devil, is always planning and looking for ways to defeat us. There are three important steps we must cover before we get into the heart of preparing for war.
The first step is to know that there is a war and, in that war, will be many battles. Let's break down the difference between a war and a battle. A battle is a small part of a war. The war is made up of many battles and is more strategic. It is in the battles that the actual fighting takes place. It is the action part of the war. Within a war you will have battles that you win and battles that you lose. Just remember that the outcome of the battle does not necessarily determine the outcome of the war.
The second step is to know your enemy. Let's think of a person headed out to fight. When they have armored themselves and grabbed their weapon they need to know who they are going out to fight. It would be a sad day if we sent our armed troops out to fight and never told them who they were fighting against. In a spiritual fight you must know who you are fighting against. Because we are not fighting a physical battle we know that our enemy is one that we cannot see. The bible says it clearly in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The third step is to be alert and aware always. The bible says in 1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” In another version it said, “to keep a cool head and stay alert.” This is very important. We must be alert. The devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. We should always have our eyes open and be aware of what is taking place both spiritually and naturally. Before my son started acting out his rage and anger I started noticing things taking place. I knew he was battling some things because I noticed his torment. I knew the enemy was working overtime to destroy his life. The Holy Spirit called me to a time of prayer. I made a covenant to pray every day at the same time for a year. That year turned into eight going on nine years. It was during that first year that the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to some things. I truly believe that He was preparing me for what was to come. My spirit man was strengthened, and my spiritual discernment was sharpened.
Activating and Building Keys:
- Are you currently in a spiritual battle?
- Do you know the enemy you are fighting?
- Are you staying alert and aware?
Today, take some time and take note of what is going on around you. Never think for a minute that the enemy is not strategically planning an attack. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight on what is going on at home, at work, and in your family. Ask Him to strengthen you and sharpen your spiritual discernment so you can stay battle ready.
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