Battle

Why do men choose to engage in war? I hate conflict. My siblings and I were not even allowed to argue as children. Even civilized debate is distasteful to me. The Civil War had to be fought. But I don’t even like to read about it. It was such a sad time in our history. My daddy fought in World War II, so I have trouble watching movies about that horrible time. 

But here’s the thing. We are at war with the enemy of our souls. We can’t deny it or avoid it. In our devotions we recently read this from Billy Graham: “God did not call us to a playground, but to a battleground.” Even though I naturally shy away from conflict of any kind, I must learn to stand my ground when attacked by the enemy. He knows my weakness and he has good timing and strategy.

No wonder Paul challenges his readers in Ephesians 6: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” God provides the shield, the helmet, all the gear we need to resist Satan’s clever tactics. I need to be in training ahead of time so that I know how to use these weapons when needed.

We don’t need to be afraid if we are relying on our God to win the ultimate victory. There is a phrase from a hymn that says: “On earth is not his equal.” Do you know who that refers to? No, it’s not God, although it is true of Him. It’s about Satan. And it’s found in “A Mighty Fortress,” which I think is the ultimate hymn on spiritual warfare. It talks about our “ancient foe” and his craftiness and power. But God’s Word will defeat him. I’m glad I’m on God’s side, aren’t you? (Click on the link below to read all of the lyrics.)

Maybe you are in the midst of a battle today. Maybe there is a temporary lull, but don’t get too comfortable. Be on guard. Are you prepared to do battle with the enemy of your soul? He lies and deceives. He puts doubts in our minds. “Does God really care? Are you really that significant to the Almighty? Why does He allow all of the terrible things going on in the world? You can’t really do anything about it, can you?”

Well, let’s gird ourselves with the armor of God today and resist the enemy. I am not strong enough in our own strength to stop him. But “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7). Are you trusting Him with all of your being?

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God > Lyrics | Martin Luther