Weapons For War

August 24, 2022 marks the celebration of Independence Day for the people of Ukraine. It is also 6 months to the day since Russia invaded Ukraine and started what seems to be a never ending conflict. One of the consistent requests of Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky from the United States and its allies is for more weapons that will be able to counter the onslaught of Vladimir Putin's army. So far the Ukrainian forces have been able to hold off a total takeover of their country, however the war has taken a devastating toll on Ukraine and its people. Do you realize, we are also in a war? It is a battle that is ongoing and never ending. It's not a war that results in the destruction of material possessions or even displacement to another state or country. It is an unseen battle. A struggle for something more precious than any thing on this earth. It is a spiritual battle for the souls of humanity. 

THE ENEMY IS FORMIDABLE.

The Bible tells us that our opponent is Satan, which is not his name, but rather it means the "Adversary." Peter alerts believers in 1 Peter 5, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) The imagery is very powerful! Jesus also warns His followers in the gospel of John, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV) Here again from the lips of Jesus we read some graphic and intense language. The reality is the devil ain't playin'! So, given the gravity of the situation, where do we get our weapons for war? Where are our reinforcements for this unseen battle? Conventional weapons like rockets, bombs, and guns will not be able to fight this battle. The apostle Paul is quite clear about the challenge we face, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) 

OUR WEAPONS ARE GREAT.

What appears like a hopeless situation is actually a hope-filled opportunity. For we have the greatest and most powerful ally on our side, the God of the universe! His Presence is our greatest weapon! Paul tells us that God Himself even supplies us with our "battle gear" to take on the challenges we face. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the devils schemes....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 then, 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 up the shield of faith, with which you 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 on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Ephesians 10-11;13-18 NIV) The weapons used to fight a visible enemy have the potential to be destroyed or rendered inoperable. However, the weapons God has given us will never become exhausted or worn out. 

GOD IS WITH US.

Our responsibility is to be prepared to use what's available to us by the grace of God to fight each day's battle. The good news is we are not fighting the war alone. God is with us! The Psalmist declares, The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation." (Psalm 18:2 NIV) Today, we as believers can be encouraged with the same words with which Moses encouraged the Israelites when they faced a seemingly impossible situation at the Red Sea, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)  I am sure the Ukrainian people are tired of the conflict. Likewise, we as believers sometimes grow weary from the spiritual battle as well as life's challenges. However, we have already won the victory over our adversary through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moreover, when Jesus established His church, He guaranteed that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:17-19) So take heart and keep "suiting up" every day with the armor of God as we await the return of our King!

Hallelujah!

Pastor Sheree