Who Needs Armor? (Part 3)

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV).

In the first two parts of “Who Needs the Armor?” we saw that we needed to equip ourselves with the kind of equipment that God had provided for us. Now that we are dressed and ready it is time to go forth into battle.

Paul says we are to pray at all times. Prayer is like air support. We have seen in modern warfare that air support is essential to victory. In fact, in Desert Storm, General Colin Powell said that whoever controlled the air controlled the outcome of the war. He was proven correct. So we need to “control the air.” Prayer does that. Prayer is not an alternative to preparing for battle but an essential part of it.

During the days immediately preceding the battle of Gettysburg, Jeb Stuart was conspicuously absent from the area. It was the assignment of the cavalry in that day to be the eyes and ears of the army. Lee and his generals went into battle without the necessary information to win. Historians agree that had they known the lay of the land better and been informed of the positions of the union army, the outcome of the battle might have been far different. It was the turning point of the war and ultimately led to the South’s surrender. They had no “air cover.” Prayer for the Christian covers them. Too many Christians simply don’t pray. They are unequipped for the battle and defenseless in the face of their enemy. If you have difficulty praying, find a partner who will help you to find the presence of God and draw upon His strength and power.

What battles are you fighting? Which ones are God’s battles too? What preparations do you need to make? Remind yourself with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles. Do you need armor? Do not go into the battle unprepared. Too many Christians often surrender their weapons to a skeptical world. They go into the fray outnumbered, unarmed, and unprotected. They become casualties in the battle. Put on your armor and stand against your enemy! You will win the fight!