God is a Warrior
Warrior: one who is skillfully experienced in conflict or battle; one who is engaged in warfare, struggle or conflict
Consider this: You cannot declare victory unless there is a battle. Throughout life we engage in spiritual battles of many kinds. As I have engaged in these battles I have learned that my skills are quite lacking. Often these battles have ended in defeat and despair. But God is teaching me that I can declare victory and He has provided all that I need to resist and defeat the enemy.
Throughout the Old Testament there are many references to mighty warriors. They used various weapons and strategies as they fought, but one factor remained clear. As found in Joshua 11:8, the Scriptures state over and over again, “And the Lord gave them victory over their enemies.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 explains, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” Divine power to demolish strongholds. That is the power that leads to victory!
God has equipped us with special armor as we face the enemy. As described in Ephesians 6:14-17, our armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness , feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” As I considered the individual pieces of armor, I realized that all except one are defensive, with a purpose to protect us. The only offensive weapon is God’s Word.
Looking closer, I realized that each of the pieces of armor have been given to us as a gift. God gave Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life and He has given us His Word which is truth. We are offered the gift of salvation as we exercise the gift of faith and we are robed in God’s righteousness. Jesus offers the gift of peace as He says, “My peace I give you.” With these gifts God has prepared us for battle, but He is the mighty warrior. Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Put on the armor, stand firm then Ephesians 6:18 tells us…pray. Isn’t it interesting that we are not instructed to fight? We are instructed only to stand firm and pray. When I am in the midst of life’s battles I often speak out loud one of my favorite verses from Exodus 14:14, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” That is not the posture I find myself in until I remember that only through God’s power will I gain the victory.
It is interesting that there are many references of great battles in the Old Testament, but few in the New Testament. Why? Because, as He died on the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” The battle against sin and death is over.
When you find yourself in the midst of a battle and the enemy is gaining ground, put on the armor that God has provided for defense, stand firm and speak God’s Word. God is our mighty warrior and even against the schemes of Satan, victory has been won!
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! The LORD is a warrior; Yahweh is his name! Exodus 15:2-3 (NLT)
So glad that we have the armor to fight with. Unfortunately many of us don’t use all of the pieces, they all work together though with the leading of His Spirit. Awesome Word!
wonderful devotion, thanks.
Great reminder that we don’t have to stand alone. He is with us wherever we go.