-March 2, 2022-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
“You therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
(1 Timothy 2:3).
The world’s attention is on Ukraine and Russia as this war continues. I think all of us have been struck with the bravery, determination, and fortitude of the outmanned, under matched, Ukrainians who are fighting for their homeland. Ordinary citizens are taking up weapons to fight for their lives against a powerful foe. It is reminiscent of the fact that every believer in Christ is a soldier of Christ in a spiritual battle against the devil and his demons. We represent Christ and heaven.
There is much hardship in fighting a war, as the Russians and Ukrainians are finding out more and more. The same is true in our spiritual warfare. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Our is a noble cause, a godly cause in fighting against evil. The devil attacks us with overwhelming force, employs fear tactics, and attempts to isolate us, discourage us, and defeat us. He comes at us at all sides, at all times, and in all ways.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). We in ourselves are no match for the devil, but with the Lord we can be victorious and be more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
In our spiritual warfare, we never run out of equipment or armaments. Paul likens us to the Roman soldiers he saw all throughout the Roman Empire in his day. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, “For though we walk according to the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down fortresses.”
Paul lists our armor that we must put on daily in Ephesians 6:14-18: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel sandals, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit, and prayer. Most of the armor is defensive, but we wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and we pray in the Spirit. We are so well protected and prepared for spiritual battles. The devil knows our weaknesses and seeks to attack our vulnerabilities. The Lord is with and will give us the victory.
Let us stand strong, fight hard, and never retreat. This spiritual war will last all our lives in this world. We are on the Lord’s side, He is the Captain of our salvation. We must rely on Him fully and not on ourselves. We are assured of the victory.
Have a blessed day fighting the good fight of faith, putting on the whole armor of God so we can stand firm against the evil one. Stay safe and healthy.
Under the command and commission of Christ,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 