As Believers we oppose and face opposition from three sources- the World (the systems that are not submitted to God and His ways), the Sinful Nature (the inward desire to live contrary to God's ways), and the Devil! If we belong to Christ, we are living in a 'state of war!' Sometimes it rages externally, and we are under spiritual attack that requires a defensive posture . And, sometimes, we advance for God, destroying some place where evil has a stronghold. We call this - 'spiritual warfare!' Many books are written on the subject some solidly Biblical and others nothing more than sensationalism and superstitious formulations. Often books about spiritual warfare are encouraging stories of the experiences of someone in a unique situation. Such stories can encourage us, but we must not try to replicate the experiences. Why? Because, if we wage war basing our strategy on the experiences or stories of another, and expect the same results, it is a little like attempting to go to battle while wearing another's armor.
There is a humorous story from the early life of David. Jesse sent his youngest son to the battle front with provisions for his brothers who were serving in the Israeli army. When David got to the warfront, he found the army dug in. Each morning, they suited up and went out to the ridge to yell their battle cries, but they didn't advance! In response, the Philistines would send out their hero, a giant of a man named Goliath. He would hurl insults at the Israelis and their God, making them shake in terror. When David saw this happening he asked, "Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26, NLT) News of the courage of this young man reached King Saul who calls him into the royal tent. Hearing his stories of God's empowerment and seeing his courage, Saul decides to send David into battle with Goliath. Here's where it gets hilarious if you have a good imagination!
"Saul outfitted David as a soldier in armor. He put his bronze helmet on his head and belted his sword on him over the armor. David tried to walk but he could hardly budge. David told Saul, "I can't even move with all this stuff on me. I'm not used to this." And he took it all off. Then David took his shepherd's staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath." (1 Samuel 17:38-40, The Message) Can you picture this shepherd lad, trying to wear the king's armor? It didn't fit. He didn't even know how to move under its weight. So, David took off Saul's armor and took up what God had given him: a stick worn smooth to his hands during his sheep-herding days and a slingshot he'd used thousands of times while passing days watching over his flocks.You know the rest of this story! David prevailed by God's power, using the 'armor' that fit. At the end of the day, Goliath lay at the feet of the lad holding a stick and a sling.
In a paragraph rich in imagery, the Bible urges each one of us to suit up for battle!
"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 full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, ... Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with 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." (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV)
God, the Armorer of His soldier-saints, has protection that is uniquely designed for you, that equips you in a way that is custom designed to meet the particular demands of the battles you will wage given your circumstances, your personality, and demonic assaults. Have you 'put on' what He has made for you so that you can advance the front line of the Kingdom? Then, go and fight the battles for truth and righteousness with assurance, 'thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
Spend time with the Master - in His Word, waiting on Him in prayer, letting Him teach you the way that you can stand secure against every assault - from every foe.
And remember this, mature Believer, don't try to make another wear your armor. The amazing wonder of our Christian faith is that God knows us personally and He equips us individually to live for Him. Praise Him!
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