STAY READY! by Shawn Smith

Today we are privileged to have a post written by our own Prayer Ministry Pastor, Shawn Smith. It is not only an insightful word, it is a Word we need to appropriate in this season. Thank you Pastor Shawn –

1 Chronicles 12 talks about warriors who joined David’s army when he was hiding from Saul, in a city called Ziglag. The scripture gives details about the warriors like what tribes they were from, how many came from each tribe, who their leaders were, etc. I have to admit, when I’m reading and studying the Bible, I tend to skip over names and numbers when they’re in multitiudes like in chapters 11 and 12.  That may sound bad but I’m just being honest (sorry scholars). What I did find interesting were the characteristics and phrases used to describe the soldiers and the different skills that they possesed. It made me think, Does God think of us, His soldiers, in the same manner?  How would He describe us? Better yet, do we live up to the characterictics of a great soldier?

Here are some of the words used to describe the warriors in vs 1-37:

Famous, skilled or experienced, brave, loyal, strong, highly respected, fierce and swift. Many were leaders, army commanders, expert archers and experts with shields and spears. They were known to be fully armored, prepared for battle. Some understood the signs of the times and knew the best courses to take. 

Are we fully armored and ready for battle at all times, as Ephesians 6:13-16 tells us to be? Are we always on alert, watching out for the devil and standing firm against him as it says in 1 Peter 5:8-9? Are we always praying in the Spirit and being persistent in our prayers, as it instructs in Ephesians 6:18? Are we strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, as it explains in Joshua 1:9? We may not be famous, but what are we known for? If we’re experienced soldiers, are we teaching the new soldiers how to use our weapons correctly? When we speak of the goodness of God, are we sensitive to our audience and the situation or are we being judgemental, causing other believers to stumble and fall (Rom 14:13)?

Let’s say that Satan is a physical enemy and he came knocking at your door. Wouldn’t you look out the peep hole, see that it’s him, and choose not to let him in? Of course you would because you know that his purpose is to kill you. What If he hides his face so that you can’t make out who it is? Wouldn’t you yell through the door, “Who is it?” Even if he lies and tries to disguise his voice, wouldn’t you look at the security camera footage which captures the image before it even gets to your door? I know that fighting the enemy is a spiritual warfare but we can use the same concept as if we’re fighting a physical enemy. We ask God for wisdom and discernment so that we recognize Satan when he comes. Then, we fight him (and defeat him) with the Word of God and with prayer. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Hebrews 4:12 TPT

For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.

We can’t leave any aspect of our lives vulnerable, giving the enemy room to slither in. We have to be agressive, quick, brave, humble, strong and loyal. We have to posess all the qualities of a great soldier because although in the end the victory is ours, we still have battles to fight in the meantime. So, gear up soldiers! Stay ready!

Shawn

A soldier in the army of the Lord