During times of low activity and calm spiritual seas there is much work to be done. We sometimes get lulled into a since of comfort. That comfort makes us feel like we are ready for a spiritual hiatus. Christ encourages His disciples to watch and pray. Even in times that seem to be peaceful there are dangers to be sure.
If we examine the tactics used by most active military groups around the world. Anyone who is aware of a standing army realizes there are certain things that must become second nature to the soldier in order for him to be effective in a real combat situation.
Weapons' training is the most important skill developed by a soldier. If a soldier is unable to properly use his weapons then he is considered a non-treat and easily rendered defenseless and captured or even killed. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have been given the armor of God to keep us during times of battle. If we fail to use them properly, our inadequacies could cause a major disruption to the flow of a ministry and even the church. It is important that we realize we have weapons for the purpose of offensive and well as defensive movements.
Even during times of peace there is a move of God. As believers, we must stand and be ready to launch an attack on the enemy. Too often we are taking a defensive stance and are only willing to prepare for battle when trouble comes. We need to be ready. We converse or preach about taking things back more often than we do about securing the things in our possession. Once Israel came into the land they rebuilt the walls. If you have been battle tested you are well aware of the need to have high walls around you and yours. Things get worn after years of use and need to be mended and or repaired. The tools we have been given by the Spirit of God have to be maintained so that they are able to endure the test of time. We have to hold on to our faith. Faith protects the most vital parts of our ministry effectiveness. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb.11:6). We have to secure our peace because it is the mental ability used to hear clearly and respond correctly. Knowing that we are in constant need of counsel gives us the drive to seek the place of communion with the Lord. These things get worn by use and need to be inspected and tested for their preparedness. Everything needs to be "oiled". All of our weaponry has to be used in order to get a renewal and signed decree of affirmation. This is true because, only God can validate who we are.
The battle ground is established the moment we attempt to move close to the Lord. Our weaponry must be ready and we must be skillful in our use of it. Otherwise we will fall short and maybe only get a portion of the blessing. The Syrophoenician woman said, "Even the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from the master's table."(Matt.15:27) I like that but, we are heirs, even joint heirs with Christ. (Rom. 8:17) There is a seat at the table for us. We don't have to except the crumbs or even the leftovers. We can eat fresh bread and drink of the water the flows from the fountain new every morning.
We must always be prepared for the inevitable confrontation with the enemy. There are offensive and defensive tactics that can only be learned by spending time with the Lord. The enemy is lurking in the shadows waiting for us to start appreciating the silence and the still of the waters. He wants us to be relaxed by the calm winds. Don't give him the opportunity to launch a successful attack. We are a necessary part of the Church and called to uphold the standards of relationship that give the world a glimpse into the Kingdom of God. Don't put down the armor of God and the spiritual weaponry designed to make us ready for Kingdom building tasks that glorify God. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1Peter3:15) May God bless and keep you.
Thank you for listening.
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