Standing Strong

Billy Graham tells a story of a boxer who was engaged in a boxing match and was being badly beaten. Battered and bruised, he leaned over the ropes and said to his trainer, "Please throw in the towel! This guy is killing me!" The trainer said, "Oh no, he's not. He's not even hitting you. He hasn't laid a glove on you!" And the boxer looked at him through swollen eyes and said, "Well then, I wish you'd watch that referee - somebody is sure hitting me!"

The danger in Spiritual Warfare is not when you are being beat up. You know you're in a battle when you're battered. You may not know exactly who or where the blows are coming from; but you know you're in a fight. No, the danger in Spiritual Warfare is when the devil is leaving you alone; when you are not having struggles, temptations are few. It's then, when life seems to be going good, that devil has you where he wants you. Either you are spiritually dull and living for the devil's cause or you are being set up for a big fall.


Just ask David ... after years of running from Saul and struggling to form a new nation, it was when things seemed to be good that David saw another man's wife bathing on the roof. In a matter of days, the enemy had David just were he wanted him, knee deep in sin and sliding down quickly.


Never remove your armor. Never let down your guard. We're in a war that will last a lifetime. Stand firm and be ever vigilant and ever ready to fight.


"Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people." (Eph 6:10-18 CEV)

Have a great day, and remember never, never, ever give up!