Choosing the Right Weapons - Martin Wiles

“I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. 1 Samuel 17:39-40 NLT

Choosing the right weapons can make the difference between a victory and a loss.

Hunting squirrels was the first type of hunting my father taught me. While some hunted them with .22 rifles, we chose shotguns. We left before daylight, strolled through the woods with our flashlights—shining the beams up into the trees to look for nests—and then picked a tree to sit beneath and wait.

The barking began just before the first rays of light penetrated the hardwood forests. As soon as we saw the shapes of the trees against the intruding light, the squirrels began scampering from their nests. We were there to welcome them with lead. Had we chosen bows and arrows, I doubt we would have bagged much, if any, game.

Young shepherd boy David was successful for the same reason. While the Israelite army cowered in fear before the Philistine giant Goliath, Dave said, “Let me at him.” He was too small for the king’s armor. Instead, he chose five smooth stones. All he needed was one.

We fight a spiritual battle with Satan and his army of demons. God tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we’ll be prepared. He also assures us no battle will be more intense than we can handle with the help of his Spirit’s power in us. We are already more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord.

David chose smooth stones. Perhaps he took five in case he needed the others for more Philistines or in case he needed more than one to do Goliath in. As believers, the stones we should choose include confidence, righteous anger, courage, and a firm handle on the truth.

We fight with confidence because God is on our side, and greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. We won’t even see the need to fight the battles if we neglect righteous indignation over sin. We march forward with courage, for the battle is the Lord’s. We also step into battle with truth because it is truth that sets us free.

What stones have you chosen to fight your battles with?

Father, I ask for the right weapons so that I might be victorious in my spiritual battles. 

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Ready for Battle - Martin Wiles

We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help. 2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT

We prepared to fight a battle we hoped we wouldn’t have to fight.

The head of school met with teachers, giving us plans for the battle—the one we hoped we’d never have to wage. If the battle was in the building, we should hunker down in our rooms, lying flat on the floor.

These instructions didn’t comfort me, especially since bullets can penetrate walls and intruders can kick in doors. If we could get out, we should flee … quietly.

Now we had to pick a spot to flee to. After taking attendance and lunch orders, we gathered our classes, headed outside, and walked two football fields away to a wooded area. Then each class determined where in the woods we would assemble. This was necessary so we could account for everyone should a real intruder intrude.

The meeting and practice sobered me. We prayed nothing like this would ever happen. Perhaps, we were a little naïve. We lived in a smaller town and attended a private school. But we knew the battle could come, so we got ready, all the while knowing any plan we concocted could be altered by the circumstances.

Our world is a dangerous place. Mass shootings are common. Jehoshaphat’s world mimicked ours in many ways. Enemy armies marched against the southern kingdom of Judah—Jehoshaphat’s territory. He cried out to God for help. He wasn’t ready for battle.

Physical battles can frighten us, but spiritual battles come in more intense forms. Paul says our real fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against evil spirits in an unseen world (Ephesians 6:12). Ones we can’t see, unlike a real intruder with weapons I can see.

Yet, the method of our response should not change. Jehoshaphat cried out to God, asking for wisdom and help. The people cried out too … and fasted.

The time to prepare for battle is not after the battle has begun, but before. Failing to put on our spiritual armor—thinking right thoughts, remembering we’re clothed in Christ’s righteousness, taking the sword of God’s Word, walking by faith, sharing our faith story—sets us up for defeat before the battle ever begins.

More importantly is remembering the battle is not ours, but God’s. He is in charge and the one responsible for routing the enemies of our souls. With Him on our side, victory is certain.

Get ready for your battles, and then let God lead you to victory.

Prayer: Father, guide us to the victories that only You can give.

Tweetable: Are you ready for the battle? 

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