CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 862

“Battle Weary”

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)

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The terms ‘battle weary’ and ‘battle fatigue’ have become synonymous with the phrase ‘The thousand yard stare’. Upon arrival at the front lines servicemen recount stories of the vacant eyes they saw in their battle weary squad. The physical and emotional demands and stresses placed upon our servicemen day after day with little relief eventually takes its toll and manifests itself later in life as PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Not all of us serve our country at the front lines during a time of war. We all, however, are engaged along a spiritual battle front with eternal ramifications. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

This spiritual battle never ends and we can end up battle weary. The enemy of our soul attacks us when and where we are weakest. Each of us fights against our own points of temptation to sin. Perhaps we are battle weary because we are on the defensive in our own strength against temptation. Physical strength and willpower are good but it is like bringing a knife to a gun fight in our battle against spiritual forces. Just as our military servicemen put on their full body armor and take up their weapons each day, we too are exhorted by God’s Word to put on His ‘full armor’. How many of us venture out each day ill equipped and unprepared to fend off the attack of the enemy let alone to be able to take the offensive? Are you tired of being a battle weary Christian, constantly bruised and battered by the attack of the enemy on you and your family? Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)

There is a critically necessary discipline required of us. We must begin each day in prayer and communion with God. We must not allow the worldly demands for our time to take precedence and crowd out and eliminate quiet time with the Lord in prayer and the reading of His Word. Neglecting this time in fellowship with God is akin to going into battle, unprotected, alone, and without weapons. The full armor consists of the belt of truth which allows us to nimbly navigate through the minefield of lies that the enemy seeks to trip us up with. The breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation and the shield of faith protect our hearts and minds from the accusations of the enemy that we are not worthy, not good enough, not saved, or inadequate to serve the Lord. Lastly we must take up the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God – with which we can do battle and do more than just hold our ground.

God’s Word tells us that …The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16) Therefore don’t let the enemy intimidate you into hunkering down in fear and defeat. Your righteousness is the very righteousness of Jesus Christ. Stand firm against the attack of the enemy on you and your family, your businesses, coworkers, and your country. Take up the Sword of the Spirit and brandish it boldly. Wear the full armor of God every day and take the offensive to advance the kingdom of God and be an overcomer in the power of His Word.