Finish It

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 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.
Ephesians 6:10-13 The Message

I've lost count of the times I have heard this question - "Why can't we all just get along?" And while the truth would be, "Light can't abide with darkness", I also have to remember that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Although my flesh wants to rip and tear, I am bound by the Word in Romans 12:17-18, Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

John 3:17 declares that God sent His Son to save the world, not to condemn it. We must remember that we are not to fight people; we're fighting spiritual wickedness. Christ died for all mankind, no matter their political beliefs; no matter their spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. Christ died so ALL would have the opportunity to receive the salvation He so freely offered us. God doesn't love me more than the unsaved heathen who uses His Name in vain.

You won't go to battle and die for something or someone you don't love or believe in. Jesus said in Luke 9, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Paul wrote, I die daily... Where did we ever get the idea that living a Christian life would be a walk in the park?

So, how do we fight enemies we do not see? Can we go charging after and be effective in routing an unseen adversary? No! We cannot go charging off on our own, under our own power, our own steam. If we're going to fight - and finish - the fight of good faith, we must follow the Leader. We have to follow the Lord. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 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.

What are the weapons? Continue on in Ephesians 6, 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 other words, don't show up to a sword fight without The Sword.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Let's finish this thing. It's time to go Home.

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for providing everything we need to do in order to do everything You have called us to do. You are the ultimate Leader. Father, we want to finish this fight with You. Continue to lead us and instruct us. Ramp up our training so we can be effective in winning souls and winning the battles. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen