What is war? War is defined by Merriam Webster as “a state of usually open and declared hostile conflict between states or nations, or the art or science of warfare.” In case you are unaware once we gave our lives to Christ we entered into a spiritual war.

Who is the war between? The war is between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of Light. Satan the enemy of our soul seeks to sift us as wheat, deceive us and ultimately destroy us. “ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy” But thanks be to God that Jesus came that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the fill, till it overflows] “ John 10:10 AMP-

Now that we know that we are in a war, how do we prepare for battle? Glad that you asked.

God provides instructions on how to prepare and stay ready for battle. In Ephesians 6:11-18 we are told to put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against the wiles (trickery, craftiness) of the devil. The enemy never comes to us in a red jumpsuit waving his hands while screaming Hi I’m the devil. He is cunning, strategic and calculating as he studies us and our lives.He watches how we react in situations, what we like, what we struggle with, all with a plan to entice us to sin and ultimately get us out of fellowship with God. It is essential to our survival to maintain our relationship with God and be sensitive to the leadings and promptings of Holy Spirit. “ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,they are the sons of God”.Romans 8:14. In this spiritual warfare both God and the devil want to carry out their plan for mankind. God is seeking to save humanity while satan is seeking to destroy man. In order for either plan to be carried out here in the earth there must be people available to be used. We must be sensitive to Holy Spirit and be used by God as opposed to being used by the enemy. Oftentimes we are used by the enemy and are not even aware of it. Along the same vein there are times when people come against us, attack and mistreat us and they are not cognizant of the fact that they are being used. However, do not be deceived there are times when people know that they are being used and freely yield themselves to the enemy. Nevertheless, it is very important that whether people knowingly or unknowingly come against we cannot remain angry with the person or persons. While I can relate and understand the reasoning behind being upset with those who have hurt or mistreated us, it is extremely dangerous.If it we are not careful the enemy has gained an access point into our lives, into our heart and can cause us to walk in unforgiveness. Remember people are not our enemy! It is the spirit behind them that is the enemy. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood”…..As soldiers in the army of the Lord it behooves us to be equipped for battle…. How you ask.?? Let me tell you….Paul under the inspiration of Holy Spirit provided instructions to us on how to be ready for war. In Ephesians 6:11-18 it reads “ Put on the full armor of God [for his precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier] so that you may be able to stand [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending with only physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly [supernatural] places….Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger],and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place,fully prepared, immovable, victorious] So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) and having on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart); and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm- footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with is in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people” AMP-

Let us be prepared and ready on the offensive against the enemy and walk in our God given purpose.

Let us pray…… Father it’s in the name of Jesus that we come before you thanking you for your goodness and mercy. Help us to be prepared for battle. Remind us that we are not fighting people. Remind us to prepare for battle and to stand in our God given authority!