There is a fire station on my way to work, and while I wait at the long light for the train to pass by, I have the opportunity to watch the morning routine of the firefighters there.
In those early morning hours at the station, the ladder of the fire engine slowly rises and the bright, flashing lights break the morning sky. At the moment, there is no emergency, but they are preparing for one.
Imagine an emergent call coming in, and no lights flash when they are charging down the street…or a blazing fire in a high rise with no functioning ladder. Neither situation would be good, and they know that. So, they prepare.
We have situations that come in life that hit us head-on. No warning signs, no inkling…then BAM!, out of nowhere, we are in the middle of a terrible predicament. How do you respond? Well, that depends on how prepared you are.
Whether we admit it or not, we are in the middle of a battle…even now. The Bible is clear about spiritual warfare and how there are powers of this world that are fighting to destroy you (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Just imagine a lion standing right outside your doorway…not a pleasant thought. The reassuring thing is we are PREPARED for the enemy because we have been fitted perfectly to fight his devices. Ephesians 6: 11-17 describes our outfit, or our armor, that we need to put on to be prepared for battle.
If you have a few moments, memorize it with me (from head to toe):
Helmet of Salvation (Jesus is our salvation: Acts 4:12)
Breastplate of Righteousness (God is our righteousness: 1 Corinthians 1:30)
Belt of Truth (Jesus is the Truth : John 14:6)
Shield of Faith (Faith comes by hearing the word of God: Romans 10:17)
Sword of the Spirit, which is the the word of God
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Jesus is our peace: Eph 2:14)
Does the Bible instruct us to put on this armor and start swinging? No. It says to “stand firm”. Why? Because the battle belongs to the Lord.
The Lord is fighting for us. He is our salvation, our righteousness, the truth, and our peace. We take our faith and God’s Word and we fight with Jesus ahead of us. The best way to prepare for the battle is to memorize God’s Word… and that also helps to build up your faith.
What fire are you facing today? Where has the enemy tempted you? Stand firm on God’s promises. With God in the ring with you, you will be victorious. Just look at this powerful promise that already has claimed you the victor:
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.” Is. 54:17
~Betsy
