On Spiritual Warfare.

Present weapons!

Sometimes we're given courses to train us for a job, and sometimes we have to do on the job training and learn as we go--if we're lucky, there is both(...and it is time to start practicing what we've learned or are learning).

I don't want to play clueless anymore. Sure, I can pull it off pretty well with my blonde hair and generally quiet, innocent, and a bit naive personality...but it's time to quit playing pretend.

This war is real. Can't you feel it? Can't you feel the rumbles of the blasts shaking the ground beneath your feet? Can you hear the cries of the wounded, and see the casualities around you?

There is no closing your eyes to this, not for long anyway.

A young person commits their life to Christ's mission, they prepare to go and spread it, and then painful wounds are inflicted upon them. Scary situations present themselves. Stress piles up, friends desert. They are left hurt, scared, stressed, and alone.

Can we not see who is behind this? Can we not see what it is really about?

God can use you.

First, Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

Second, in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3: 5,6)

Now. What is this all about...What weapons do you have? I think this provides some pretty clear instruction;

Eph. 6:

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

So, do these. Pray for, love, and encourage one another.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2).

"We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God." 2 Cor. 10:3-5a

Support each other.