Preparing for the Journey

             I hope that you have accepted my challenge to commit to a deepening relationship and intimacy with God.  If so, we are about to begin a journey that Satan hates.  He will put up every roadblock and send us on every detour imaginable.  After all intimacy with God is the last thing that Satan wants us to experience.  Begin now to prepare for every problem, distraction, and hardship that he will throw our way, but remember, even when we fall for his deceit, God will be waiting patiently to get us back on the right path.

            Preparing for this journey is much like preparation for any other journey.  The baggage that we pack is just a little different.  In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us an outline of the kind of preparation that we need for this journey.  We are warriors in a spiritual battle, and while the struggles and trials of life may be difficult, Paul tells us that our real struggles are against “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6: 12b).  Those “spiritual forces” are Satan and his angels.  Like soldiers preparing for battle, we must be ready to stand our ground against Satan’s schemes.

            “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6: 11 – 12 NIV84).

            We wouldn’t think of beginning a journey without preparation and planning, so don’t attempt to begin this Spiritual journey without preparation.  Over the next few days, read through Ephesians 6: 10 – 20.  Then, read it again in a different translation. Then, read it again, and again.  The words “put on” indicate that action on our part is necessary for this journey.  Don’t take the battle that lies ahead lightly.  Prepare!

Ephesians 6: 10 – 20

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