“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” (2 Corinthinas 10:4)

Any soon-to-be soldier must go through a stage of training for preparation to effectively fight in a war. In America, we call this boot camp. It’s a time to get equipped physically, emotionally, and psychologically. After all, you don’t want to step onto the battlefield unprepared.

The soldier will learn how to use a grenade, how to load an AK-47, and how to shoot an M-16. These weapons are the tools by which he will defend himself from every attack of the enemy. Without this training, he could lose his life, lose the lives of others, and even lose a battle. This knowledge is essential.

In the Christian life, as soldiers within a great army, we have access to weapons that will make the battle in the Christian life much easier. Notice, I said, we have access. This means we must become familiar with the operation of these weapons, and then we will see our spiritual life become a stronghold for use in the Kingdom of God.

Observe the three weapons that lie at the feet of every true believer:

The first is the Word of God, which is referred to as “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). It is said in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…” It is alive and it is powerful. When Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, He chose His answers very carefully. There were three temptations, and Jesus responded with a Scripture from the Word of God in every case to ward off the attack of the devil. The Word of God is a powerful weapon; it must be hid in our heart, engrafted into our soul, and renewed within our mind.

Secondly, the believer has prayer. What soldier in his right mind, when in need of an item for the betterment of the battle, would not approach his commander and request what he needed. I can’t think of one. We have all we need in Christ to fight this war, but as the old saying goes, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” We must approach the Throne of Grace boldly to get what we need in our time of need. In doing so we will find that God will rend the heavens on behalf of His people.

Lastly, we must fast! No soldier can go out on the battlefield dragging his feet because he can’t seem to quit serving his belly. He’ll never make it. Right before Jesus descended from the Mount of Transfiguration, the Apostles were at the bottom of the mountain going to war with the devil, but couldn’t overcome him. Jesus told them the only way they were to win that battle was by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21).

Christian soldier, I hope this devotion has enlightened your eyes for the great fight we are in. If you truly are Born Again by the Power of the Holy Ghost, these great spiritual truths will equip you as a fellow laborer in the Kingdom of God.

Fight the good fight and endure trials as a good soldier of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ. I love you.