You Are Armed For Battle

Reflect on God’s Word

Soldiers train in boot camp to develop strategies and strength to protect their country against enemies both foreign and domestic. They work tirelessly to be in shape so when they are called up, they are ready. They have strength and endurance to face their enemy. When they know an actual battle is coming, it’s also important for them to know the strategy. Where are they going? Who are they fighting? What’s the battle plan?

When you face a test of your faith, it might be easy to think you are not equipped to handle it. Maybe you haven’t been following Jesus for very long, so you feel like you don’t know enough to be able to withstand the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). Maybe you are just tired of fighting. Don’t give up!

We live in a world and culture that opposes God’s truth and the way of Christ, and Scripture provides a clear understanding about the real nature of our struggle with evil and the forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Scripture also tells us that we have everything we need to fight these battles. Second Timothy 3:16–17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Knowing Scripture so you can counter Satan’s attacks is vital.

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he countered every word of Satan’s with God’s Word. Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV) shows us:

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the

mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels

concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God

and him only shall you serve.’”

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

We are also given armor to help protect us and to help us fight. Ephesians 6:14–17 (ESV) says, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word of God—these are tools at your disposal, ready to be used in your battle.

Release the Lies

For just a moment, relax and settle your mind. Now position yourself before God, knowing that you have been equipped and are prepared for spiritual battle. Remember, you do not head into battle alone. He is with you the whole time.

Slowly stretch your neck to the left and then to the right. Gently and slowly twist your body to the left and then to the right, taking in slow breaths. Open your mind and your hands to allow God to equip you with his Word.

Are you weary and ready to give up the fight? Do you think there’s no way restoration can come? Release those lies and replace them with the truth of God’s Word.

The moment you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are given access to everything that you need to fight evil. You are never left on your own. The provision is automatic; all you have to do is use it. So when you hear that you cannot possibly be loved because of all you’ve done in your past, you can tell the evil one, “God tells me, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’” (Jeremiah 31:3 ESV).

When you hear, “You’ll never get over that sin,” tell the evil one, “God tells me, ‘As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us’” (Psalm 103:12 ESV).

Take a moment now to identify the lies that are causing you to live in fear and defeat. Maybe you tell yourself, I may as well give up. My marriage isn’t going to get any better or My child is never going to have a change of heart or This addiction is more than I can handle.

What does the truth of God’s Word tell you about those lies? The truth is that your spouse is not your enemy, your child is not your enemy, you own body is not your enemy. The battle rages in the spiritual realm.

So don’t give up! God sees your pain. Name it before the Lord. Let him uphold you and carry you through the battle. Now take a moment to pray about those people or situations in your life that need God’s help. Fight back with truth from God’s Word. Your marriage is worth it, your child is in God’s hands, you can overcome your addiction.

Take a moment to rest here with God. Tell him that you trust him to equip you. Embrace in full confidence that he stands ready to fight for you in the battles in your life.

Lord Jesus, give me strength for the battle and endurance to seek your will. I’ve never felt weaker or more defeated in the battle against evil. Graciously release within me your gifts of faith, hope, love, discernment, and praise. In your mercy, hold me upright in the strength of your might. May I lean into your word as my protection. Increase my faith to overcome temptation. Cover me with your protection. In the name of Jesus, bind every evil spirit trying to capture my heart and mind. I need your light to see, your encouragement to persevere, and your grace to resist the enemy and then watch him flee from me. Equip me with truth. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: In what areas of your life do you feel battle-weary? Take a moment to write them down. Now write out your own prayer, asking God to help you keep your eyes on him and hang on to the strong name of Jesus.