Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Satan is on the prowl and our first defense is to understand that when we are being used by God for His kingdom, Satan is going to try to dampen our fire, and if possible, extinguish it for good.

One of the benefits of having a military force like the United States has is that we are prepared for battle. A good soldier is always ready. He prepares himself daily for the enemy to attack and is skilled in his defenses. A soldier spends hour upon hour preparing for a moment that may never come, but if it does, he instinctively knows how to make the right decisions.

We miss the fact that we are at war with the enemy if we don’t understand that we are even fighting a battle. If we aren’t daily fighting a spiritual battle, then we should be preparing for one. I think of the days of the Kings and the mighty warriors fighting great battles with their hands and swords. After days, weeks, and even months of preparation, some of the warriors lives came to a sudden end with one piercing of a steel sword or a razor sharp arrow.

We need to face the inevitable truth that Satan is a prepared warrior ready for battle. He has legions of combatants ready to devour our ability to fight at any moment. He is a mighty adversary… But we are equipped with an even greater Allie. God himself, the creator of the heavens and the earth is on our side. He has all of the resources at His disposal to defeat the enemy and is giving them to us to be prepared. Grab hold of Him during your battle.

But remember, the preparation must begin long before the battle ever takes place. So many times we face the enemy ill prepared. Our swords are dull, our armor is cracked and rusty, and our helmet and shield are lying in the corner full of dust. Pick up the Saviors tools for war daily and be prepared. If you plan on being used mightily by God and you aren’t in a battle today… then be patient… because you soon will be. Be Prepared!

1Pe 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Lord, please show me the resources you have for me to be strong and to fight against the enemy. Thank you for preparing me for battle and not making me face my adversaries alone.