Looking Back

Hindsight tells me that God tries to prepare me in advance for coming events, but I’m not always attentive and sometimes resistant. If we wait to gear up for a battle we see on the horizon or are in the heat of one, injury or defeat is likely.

Paul says Christians don’t fight against flesh-and-blood enemies but evil rulers and authorities and evil spirits of the heavenly world that our physical eyes can’t see; mighty powers in our fallen world. Our battles are against the devil’s clever schemes.

We cannot fight and win spiritual wars in our strength. Paul urges us: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. . . —and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10–11, 13).

Nowhere in God’s Word are we told to lay aside His armor, no matter how weary or discouraged. Stay ready at all times. Maintain your ground fully dressed in God’s protective covering, using the sword of the Spirit—the power of His Word—and prayer. The battle is the Lord’s; He fights for and with you.