Preparing for Battle

During my prayer time, He brought to my mind an analogy.  One thing that is a common thread in most of these, “from another time and space” shows, is there is always some type of “crew”.  Men and women who have chosen or have been chosen to experience a battle as a team.  They have a common enemy, a common goal and common weapons to fend off the predator.  Each one has a skill that they have perfected, a gift that is unique to that individual and generously offered to the rest of the crew.    Without this gift or skill being constantly honed, the others would not be protected, the crew’s survival depends on each individual to continue training, perfecting and using the gifts.  Not one of them holds tightly to that gift, as they know the survival of the crew and its mission would be at risk.

 The crew is aware that as humans we prefer instant gratification, microwave speed results and not the slow “bread rising” improvement that true training offers. They know that the strength and accuracy that is needed in times of crisis comes at a cost.  A cost of commitment and discipline that each member is willing to pay. A sacrifice of preparation to ensure successful results in the next battle. They encourage one another to press on, keep going and remind one another they are not alone.  This battle will be won!!!

The other picture that came to my mind is a second way that the crew assists one another in preparing for battle. The weapons and armor are heavy and burdensome, awkward and difficult to don.  When it comes time to armor up or put on the space suit, each crew member assists the other.  They check that every piece of equipment is in full working order and placed correctly for the maximum protection.  They check each other’s weapons and give pats on the back and high five’s on their way into that dark place.

So, as fellow warriors, we too must help one another prepare and fight in this spiritual battle.  Each of us must spend time in prayer, preparation, and training.  We must hone and be generous with our spiritual gifts, lift one another up in prayer and offer encouraging words and scriptures to spur one another on.   When the battle seems unwinnable, and we are all painfully aware of how our enemy uses discouragement, we must not allow our brother or sister to fall under the burden of perceived defeat.  But let us come alongside and cover one another with the armor and weapons that our Lord has provided.  Let us be like those crew members who are willing to sacrifice for one another, share one another’s burden and face the battle together.

Blessings,

Karen

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand.  Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take the shield of faith with which can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of God’s people