Albrecht Durer, 1508  Praying Hands

You are fighting the Lord’s battles.

1 Samuel 25:28 NLT

Depend on Me, and I will strengthen you to fight spiritual battles. You are naturally weak, but I will make you supernaturally strong—able to combat Satan and win. Battling evil is no cake walk—there is no more difficult enterprise. You are not up against a mere human enemy. The world’s wicked ruler and his cohorts of the realm of darkness are bent on extinguishing the light of your good influence.

Don heaven’s armor so you can stand your ground against the strategies of hell. Fasten on the truth belt to encircle you with conviction. Wear body armor of righteousness to protect you from mortal blows. Slip on running shoes of eagerness to tell My story. Carry the faith shield to extinguish flaming arrows of temptation. Wear the helmet of salvation to preoccupy your mind with My lifelong work in your journey to eternity. Brandish the Spirit Sword to cut the dragon to pieces.

Confronting fiendish foes, pray as you go. Keep your eyes open to Satan’s tricks. Maintain communication with your Commander in Chief. Stay tuned to hear My slightest whisper.

You have Me to thank for leading you in a triumphal parade. It may seem evil is winning over good, but I will have the last word and I will win the last war. Good will not be shortchanged.

The sinister Devil, beastly antichrist, and counterfeit prophet will lose forever—tortured around the clock with no possibility of parole. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will have your lasting worship. Jehovah will be your joy.

You get tired along the way, and feel like retreating from the front to a safe haven— that will have to wait for heaven. Fight on under the battle streamer of My Holy Name.

My armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair. Life is different from thinking about life. Climb down from your cozy philosophizing balcony and enter the crucial evangelizing arena. I will teach you to live life to the fullest and love people compassionately.

Soldiering has never been a picnic. Pain precedes paradise. Suffering comes before the victory celebration. On the threshold of this new day, arm yourself with My power and get set for adventure on the high road. Endure pain if necessary. Serve Me bravely, loyally, and joyfully until the battle smoke clears. Fight sin in My strength, and avoid any blot on your shield.

At the end of the day, when the battle is over, kneel for My blessing. I will place a crown of righteousness on your head in the new Jerusalem.

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity