Life Journal 10 June 2007

Preparation For the Battle

Topic: Spiritual Warfare

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.

Ephesians 6.13-18 (The Message)

Observation:

We are in a daily battle and need to be prepared to fight. We don't need to do it on our own, God has provided the weapons and tools we need--we just need to use them.

Application:

I realize that I often don't ask God for help with the battles--or even bother to use the tools and weapons He has given me. He has given me everything I need to do battle--why am I so slow to depend on Him and use all that He has given me? Then when the battle begins to turn against me I wonder where He is. I need to prepare every morning, even before I crawl out of bed, for what might come that day--taking advantage of all that God has for me. I do not need to go into battle alone. I am not on my own--He is always with me.

Prayer:

Father God, May I remember to prepare myself for battle before I go every morning and not try to do it on my own. Thank you that you have given me the armor I need for battle: the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, may I put on the peace that comes from the Good news. Set on my head the helmet of salvation, as I take up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows that Satan aims at me, and remind me to pick up my sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And may I remeber to pray at all times--staying alert and persistent in my prayers. Thank you that I do not battle on my own. Thank you for taking care of me, loving me, and protecting me. Thank you Father. Amen.