Prepare For Battle

Scripture:

Revelation 16:12-16 (ESV)

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Devotional:

Gathering for a great battle.  I can picture armies in shining armor lining up for a climatic face off.  Satan and his minions on one side.  Jesus with the heavenly host on the other side.  Reading Revelation about things to come.  It is easy to think that only the big battles in the end will be fought.  The truth is that we are already past lining up.  We are headlong into a battle.  We are fighting daily against the enemy.  Satan is constantly throwing any and everything he can at us.  The stronger in faith we are the more he attacks. 

Are you ready for the daily battles that are going on?  Have you put on the full armor of God?  Ephesians 10-18, ESV:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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,

Only with God and the armor he provides can we stand a chance of winning the battle.  There will be times when you think you can’t win.  Some battles we will lose.  But remember through Christ we have the means to win them all.  The best part of all is that the war is already won.