Wednesday, March 19 2008

Armed and Extremely Effective

Eph. 6:12 – ‘We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…spiritual host of wickedness.’

Last January, the police officers in Tijuana, Mexico, had their guns confiscated. It was suspected that some of them had been in collusion with drug traffickers. At first, fearing for their safety, the police stopped patrolling. But eventually, some of them returned to work – carrying slingshots. Three weeks passed before their more effective weapons were returned to them.

Although we all remember a shepherd boy who used a sling and a single smooth stone with great success in his encounter with a giant (1 Sam. 17), few of us would have the courage to face violent threats armed with such puny protection. But every day, although we are often ill prepared, we do face a threat as Ephesians 6:12 tells us. The outcome of this battle is sure, however. Jesus is the victor. And using the armor and weapons He supplies, we are able ‘to stand’ (vs. 13). We fight in His power and strength.

Each day we mush put on the armor of God – the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, God’s word (vs. 13-17). Preparation and protection are the key to winning spiritual battles. (CHK, ODB)