The Lord Trains My Hands for War
Life isn’t easy. We’ve all experienced hardship and seen the evil that is very clearly trying to push back the good in the world. Even when we are completely drained and feel like we have nothing left, following Jesus gives us hope that we are on the winning side, and even though the war has ultimately been won, there is still a battle raging.
“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” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).
The Bible is clear there are spiritual forces at war all around us and we are a part of that fight. The good news is, we are not fighting alone, and we are not ill-equipped.
God has given us everything we need to fight against the plots of the enemy. In Psalm 144:1, David speaks about how God gets him ready for whatever he has to face:
“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle” (ESV).
God is our rock, which means He is the sure and steady foundation that will never be shaken. He is the one who fights for us and with us and prepares us for all the battles we will face.
If we keep reading in Ephesians 6, we see exactly what God has given us to be prepared for battle.
“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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:13-17, ESV).
We have been equipped with everything we need to face the enemy, but we need to make sure we are walking in the fullness of these realities.
Truth, our righteousness in Christ, the Gospel of peace, salvation, faith, and the Word of God are all the amazing things God has given us to keep us safe and battle-ready.
Focus on His promises and stay in the Word, and you’ll find yourself prepared for whatever the devil may throw at you.
When you feel like you’re in the middle of a battle, don’t lose heart. God has trained and equipped you! You are already on the winning side.
