Gear UP!

Our oldest grandson has some favorite things: Wrestling, Marvel Movies, family, and a good banana split.    Almost in that order.  With him being autistic, I've had to learn a new approach on many things in our lives, but especially change when it comes to him.  We stick to a routine as much as possible for his sake. 

This past Saturday we watched a Marvel Movie:  Captain America: The Winter Soldier.  When something is said that catches my ear--I pay attention and generally pause the movie and write it down.  I did so last Saturday, when near the end portion of the movie the bad guys were about to go down because the heroes were gearing up.  Steve Rogers (Capt. America) turns to Sam Wilson (Falcon) and says these powerful--and true words:

"Gear up.  If you're gonna fight a war, you gotta wear a uniform."

You know what I'm about to talk about right?

There is an absolute war going on.  Everywhere.  In foreign countries...in the political arena, and in homes all over the world.  Jesus told us how it would be:

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be—

Three against two,

and two against three;

Father against son,

and son against father;

Mother against daughter,

and daughter against mother;

Mother-in-law against bride,

and bride against mother-in-law.”  Luke 12:49-53 (The Message)

I wonder what it will take in our own personal lives to come fully awake and ready to battle the enemy for our own...  

Mommas and Daddies it is necessary to battle an unseen enemy for their very lives!  That battle is fought on your knees.

Husbands and wives, it is necessary to battle on your face before God in order to save your marriage and your home.  I'm not saying you have to literally get on your face, although I have many times, but I am saying posture your heart in such a way that God knows you are seriously willing for Him to have His way so that the lost will be found.

There was a church that God was using and growing by leaps and bounds many years ago.  They were running out of room and building on.  It was a God move from the start.  This church was beginning to make big steps of faith to spread the Gospel all over the world.  The church was full of all ages.  They were on fire for God.  Every single ministry was flourishing in the church.  The enemy didn't like it one bit and began a full on assault against the families.  He knows if he can take down a family, it will weaken the walls of the church and make it easier to take down a church.  That was his intent.  Snuff it out before the blaze got too high.  Out of nine married couples in this particular church that were targeted and attacked in such a fierce way-- only three survived, and to my knowledge, only two of the couples are living today.  

The church was growing in every ministry.  This really upset the enemy because the outreach of the church became longer and wider.  This had to stop (in the devil's thinking).  The enemy thought if he can take down some key families he could close the doors of this church.  At the very least, he would be able to dwindle it down to less than 50.  So his plotting began.  

He spotted some areas in their individual lives that had not been as carefully guarded.  Areas that needed a stronger fence of protection.  A relaxed soldier is a weaker soldier.

The attacks on these didn't stop with the couples.  All but one of these couples had young children.  He couldn't stop there though; he set out to destroy the youth next.  He would take them out one at a time by devious plans to work against their Creator in their minds.  Of who they were.  He shook their foundation.  

But I guess the devil forgot about the prayers of the saints from this church, who had already gone on to their reward in Heaven.  Because the prayers they prayed still counted.  And by their humble hearts down at those old wooden altars, they taught the very ones now under attack, how to pray.  No greater legacy could surpass this one.

Those who gave up--took the easy way out, but the price they paid for the easy way, was everything they had. I am sure they tried, but without both being willing--they would not survive this horrific attack of the devil.  

Those who survived -prayed.  Intentionally.  With such ferocity that I imagine it shook the ground at times it seemed.  Walls, windows and doors were anointed.  

The survivors would die taking back ground the enemy had stolen-- and that church plays a major role today in preaching the Gospel all over the world.  The enemy would not take down this house of God.  

The difference between the survivors of the battle and the ones who walked away from their marriages and the church was the determination to fight for what God had given them.  It was a battle.  Some may have stayed because it was the best thing to do at the time, to save face and all that.  Less costly.  But I do know of one family who stayed together because of the determination that God would win.  Oh goodness, the enemy still tried.  Assaults and attacks over and over.  Like a machine-gun, he wanted mass destruction.  But there was much prayer going on in the house and around the house.  Swords drawn and ready.

Today--there is still a war all over the world--in every church and every family.  If he can't take them down he will settle for disinterest.  

He wants to keep them so preoccupied and distracted with everything around them that they forget the miracle of their own salvation and what God has purposed for them.

Mommas and daddies....you need to get the war equipment ready.  Get your uniform ON.  Keep the shield soaked in water and anointed with oil.  Keep the blade of your sword ready to annihilate the enemy.  Keep those shoes on.  Stay ready and prepared.  Keep the breastplate fastened securely.

I love how The Message reads this passage in Ephesians:

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. Ephesians 6:13-18

In other words.... GEAR UP!

In this battle, the enemy is out for blood.  Yours and mine.  He will not stop until it's over.  You and I cannot stop either.  

Examine every part of your uniform and weaponry.  Is it ready?  Does it need strengthening in areas?  ONLY YOU AND I CAN FIX THAT.  It begins with a heart posture toward God.  On your knees, on your face, whatever it takes.

Gear up.  He doesn't care how he takes you out--he just wants you out.  

This is not a cruise ship.  This is a battle ship.  Gear UP!  We need to get off our phones and get in The Word!  I can't say that strongly enough.  

Preachers--he wants YOU.  Church officials and church leaders--he wants YOU.  Mama, Daddy, Granny and Granddaddy, the devil wants YOU!  Do you know why?  People are looking to YOU for leadership.  When he can take one of us out--with people watching--he has succeeded.  But brothers and sisters, when you dig your heels in and declare that your house will not be destroyed--it startles him into a dumb silence.  You may think to yourself--well, I've not committed any immoral sin...but stop a second and look at your attitude.  That very thing is the intentional place and he will get a foothold.  Our attitude.  Wherever our thinking goes, our hearts, minds and even bodies will follow.

He may have caused you to stray. He may have led your mind and heart away for a short season--but the best way to defeat him is run as fast as you can back to the altar and don't get up until you get through.  

YOU are NOT defeated!  The devil is!  Your gear is just damaged.  IT CAN BE FIXED but only through the power and presence of the Holy Ghost!  

And listen, every time he comes back around to remind you of what you did...remind him of his place...

YOU are redeemed.  By the REDEEMER!  

Your life belongs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...now GEAR UP and fight like your life and your family depends on it!

 

© Angie Knight. All rights reserved. 

Photos:  Free pics from Pixabay.com

 God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT