ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL STREAKER?
18th Jan 2023
With the war in Ukraine you will be familiar with images of soldiers, some well equipped and confident in their training, comrades and strategies; other ragged groups of ill equipped young men, hardly knowing why they are fighting, and with seemingly inadequate resources. In this theatre of war, can you imagine anything more shocking than a soldier naked, except for a helmet?
Man of God’s people don’t realise that we are living in a spiritual war zone.They are blind to the strategies of the enemy and have little understanding of what is needed to fight, or even who is the enemy!
So let’s answer the question in the title. Have you got on your essential armour? Is the breastplate of righteousness in position - guarding your heart and your emotions? When the enemy questions and mocks you - how secure is your understanding of Biblical truth? His tactics haven’t changed since the confrontation in Eden - he still attacks with “Did God say?” He wants doubt and fear to rob you of peace and lead you into self-reliance, instead of a deep knowing that God is for you and will do what He has promised. He cannot break His Word! When circumstances overwhelm you - go back to the truth of what God has declared in His Word, and to you personally.
What about the shield of faith? It’s given to ward off fiery darts especially designed to to destroy you. All these weapons work together. You stand behind a shield designed to give personal protection, but when linked with other shields makes a wall that can be a strong barrier to provide protection for the vulnerable. In what condition is your shield - well oiled - ready for action? Or are you like Gideon hiding from the enemy in fear, cowering because of past defeats and certainly not on the offensive?
Note the way David spoke as he attacked the giant Goliath - 1 Samuel 17:45 - 50. “You came against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Armies of Israel. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands …. and all will know that the battle is the Lords.”
Check your equipment - Is your sword sharp? Are you reading the Word of God expecting revelation - new Holy Spirit understanding? How is your morale and with who do you link shields and stand in faith? Be on your guard, keep your morale high by knowing what God has said about standing firm, using the moment by moment intelligence the Holy Spirit provides for your personal challenges.
Be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty Power.
NB: You will be encouraged by listening to his song - You Say by Lauren Daigle
by Joyce Sibthorpe
