When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?

The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.

It’s the training in peacetime that prepares a soldier for when the battle rages. Does he stand in the front lines of combat without knowing how to use his weapons?

Of course not!

Why should we expect to be strong and prepared spiritually, if we haven’t been devoting time to “training”?

Ephesians 6:12 gives us the crucial reminder that the “fight” we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual war against real enemies of the spirit realm.

“For 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.” 

The verses preceding this show how we’re to follow Christ—by being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. It goes on to say we’re to “put on” the armor of God to be victors in this life, and to show Christ to the world.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-11,13-17)

Applying God’s armor ensures success in the spiritual battle of this life. 

These are pieces of armor we’re told to “put on”:

Belt of TRUTH

Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

Shoes of PEACE

Shield of FAITH

Helmet of SALVATION

Sword of the SPIRIT

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very life of Christ Himself!

As Jesus Christ is all of the armor, He is also each individual part:

Jesus Christ is the truth

Jesus Christ is our righteousness

Jesus Christ is our peace

Jesus Christ is our faith

Jesus Christ is our salvation

Jesus Christ is the word of God

Just as putting on new clothes each morning is habit, putting on Jesus Christ and connecting with Him throughout each day becomes the bedrock of our lives—preparing us to be ready when battles come.

Though we may face struggles, living with the armor of God—the presence of Christ—strengthens us and brings victory in the midst of our trials.

It also allows us to present Christ to the world.

When Roman knights prepared for battle and donned full suits of armor, it was nearly impossible to see who they really were. Their knightship became their new persona.

As Christians living with the armor of God, we should so present Christ to the world that our own selves are hidden from view!

Putting on the armor of God each morning, and staying in His presence throughout our days, is the best training we can practice, not only to be spiritually prepared for life’s battles but also assuring us of victory!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

The post Training in Peacetime (Part 2): The Armor of God appeared first on Cheryl Elton.

Perhaps you’ve seen the stickers, the magnets, the greeting cards: Life is good. 

Ever notice how easy it is to coast along—and even forget God—when things are going well . . .

. . . when life is good ?

Jesus came that we might have a more abundant life, yet He also warns us that in this world there will be trials. Unfortunately, it’s often when something big rocks our world—the unexpected crisis, the cancer diagnosis—that many people quickly cry out to God for help.

Yet in the same verse, Jesus also tells us that in Him we can have peace and be overcomers:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?

The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.

“A strong military is created one way. With the best training.” [1]

Does a soldier stand in the front lines of combat without knowledge of how to use his weapons?

It’s the training in peacetime that prepares the warrior for when the battle rages.

Ephesians 6 gives us the crucial reminder that the fight we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual battle against real enemies of the spirit realm. As warriors, we’re to prepare ourselves daily by putting on the armor of God.

“For 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.” (Ephesians 6:12) 

Likewise, a life of strength, peace, and faith is created through the daily training we avail ourselves to, especially in peacetime, when no conflict rages.

Here are 5 “boot camp” basic tips to staying strong and becoming overcomers in the spiritual fight of life:

1. Read the Bible. Just as daily physical food is necessary to sustain life in our bodies, our spiritual food is equally as important. Are you feeding on the Word of God every day?

2. Pray. Through prayer we express our devotion and love to our Heavenly Father. We pour out our thoughts, desires, feelings, concerns, burdens, and disappointments—as well as our gratitude and praise. Any worthwhile relationship requires communication. Prayer opens the door to His blessings.

3. Share Christ. Are you sharing the good news of Christ with others? The best way to help people is by pointing them toward their own relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Speaking the truth in love allows blessings to flow freely—to others and back to ourselves.

4. Give financially. A tried and true tenet of Scripture is to sow financially into fertile ground of our choosing; (usually a place that is teaching and helping others grow in Christ.) As we give, we receive—a principle that works in all of life, including our finances.

5. Fellowship with others. From the Greek, the word fellowship means, full sharing. Availing ourselves to Christian fellowship is an important part of our spiritual growth and well-being. No one is meant to go it alone. We are a family of believers in Christ, and we’re to encourage and support one another.

Regularly carrying out these five faith basics assures us of a strong “training in peacetime”—so we may be found in His presence when the battles come.

[1] See http://todaysmilitary.com/training

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

The post Training in Peacetime (Part 1): 5 Boot Camp Basics appeared first on Cheryl Elton.