UPHILL BATTLE
Can you imagine pushing a big boulder up Mount Everest? YES…that would be a heavy and totally unbearable. Now, imagine being placed in the middle of a battle field where guns are being fired, grenades are going off; soldiers are dying and you’re dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Ha-hah! Scary right? My point is that many Christian are placing themselves in such a dangerous scenario daily were they are not equipped for what their day holds. WHY? Let me explain! Luke 9:23 “then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…’” Remember: the notion of pushing a big boulder up Mount Everest…yes that! It is the same thing with dying to self…it is not easy. Now, think of the strongest person in the world helping you push that big boulder…the burden would be bearable. I believe that this is what a Christian’s life ought to be every day. When we die to self and carry our crosses daily knowing that the Holy Spirit is our helper in our endeavor. The other day is was reading Ephesians 6:10-20 and it reminded me of what a friend had said, that God equips us to do his work. Ephesians 6:10-20 “…be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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 round 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 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…” I was going to say you should read it later but…I decided to put it in. The passage is emphasizing that we wear the FULL armor of God not half or quarter. You can’t be walking around with the sword alone. What if the devil releases those flaming arrows? …my point is that if you were being deployed into a warzone you would make sure you’re fully equipped and not falling short so that at the end of the day you survive. The passage encourages us not only to have the armor but to wear it properly. For example, it says “with the breastplate of righteousness in place” meaning it should be worn were it ought to be worn ...on your chest area not on your head. The part I love is “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” it reminds me of Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow…”. The word of God is powerful it should be the weapon we use when the devil confronts us. Do you recall the passage in which Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil? Jesus used scriptures (the living active word of God) against the devil and Jesus defeated him. As a soldier it is important not only to wear the full armor but also communicate with the commander in chief about the warfare strategies and whether backup is required. WHAT AM I SAYING? I am asking you to PRAY and READ THE BIBLE… talk to GOD ask Him what you ought to do and read the Word for the renewal of your strength. NOTE: The war was won on the cross when Christ died for us but we continue to fight our daily battles against the evil one and our own flesh, so let us be equipped and ready.