Life in the trenches. Ask any war vet and if they were in the trenches they will tell you some stories. True stories. They will be full of heroism, fear, the unknown, blood, guts, death, and life. They will say that they feared for their life but they pressed on for those they love and for those around them. Those fellow soldiers who were depending on them to keep pressing forward. It is a real thing, to both fear the unknown and run to it at the same time. It takes bravery and it takes faith, faith in those around you, faith in those back home, and they say even atheists pray in foxholes. For the past several weeks we have looked at this idea of “Christian” and i would submit to you that it is much like living in the trenches, a foxhole.
Life in the trenches as a Christian should not be marked with plush comfort, we are in a battle for the very souls that are around us, including our family. We need to be war ready. Now we do not fight this spiritual battle with human weapons, but with prayer, with love, with faith, with the Word.
10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 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.” Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage in Ephesians is our battle prep, our war-room message from the commander. We are to be ready. It isn’t always easy the enemy is powerful or it wouldn’t be a battle. We have victory, yes, but it takes us fighting the battle! It takes sacrifice. It takes us laying down our lives daily, for the cause of Christ. Being ready, aware, listening for that direction to get up, to go, to do! Here is our final passage in this series, Romans 12:1-2
12 “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Many of us are not prepared for a battle. We are not allowing the Lord to transform us, by renewing our minds. We are not discerning what is the will of God, or we are and choosing to say, “that is too hard for me!” But, it is good and acceptable and perfect! Therefore we must know that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) and “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) These are the facts. This is the mission. The trenches and foxholes are before us. Let us together, go to battle!
You are loved,
cj
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