Believe God

"As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him."

1 Samuel 17:48

When the time came for David to battle Goliath, he "ran quickly" to meet him. David didn't shrink back. He was zealous to uphold God's honor, and he moved forward with boldness. The battle was the Lord's and He would deliver the Philistine into David's hands (1 Samuel 17:47). David believed God. Are you facing a spiritual enemy today? Remember, "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Don't give into fear. Don't shrink back. "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God (see Eph 6:13-18), so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Eph 6:10-11). Prepare yourself, then run quickly to the battle line with confidence. Believe God.

Fit for Battle

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of the darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." 

Ephesians 6:12

Today is one of those days when I'm very aware of the dark unseen world around me; what the Apostle Paul calls "the world forces of the darkness". For those who don't know Christ and what it's like to live as one of His true followers, these words may sound very strange. But the Bible makes it very clear that there is a spiritual battle raging around all of us. And although we cannot see it, that doesn't make it any less real. It is for times like these that we must put on God's full armor, as described in Ephesians 6:13-18. I like the way The Message puts it: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." We are in a spiritual battle. Let's be sure we're spiritually fit for it.