For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ESV

The rigors of relationships and responsibilities can often cause discouragement and despair. We experience fatigue and failure in our families, our friendships and the normal functions of life.

Every day we are in a battle. Paul reminds us, “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.” (‭Eph ‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ NLT)  The weapons with which we fight are not weapons of this world.

There is a military acronym used to evaluate and calculate the likelihood of accomplishing a mission. These initials are “POS” – Probability of Success. In our preparation for daily spiritual battle, we also have a “POS” – “Pray”, “Obey”, and “Stand”

Pray – Communicating with God.

Obey – Commitment to God.

Stand – Confidence in God.

These are required in our evaluation before battle . . . but what about the engagement in battle? Here are some thoughts.

Sit And Wait. 

This is not passive . . . this is proactive. Spending time in the presence of the Captain of the Lord’s Army is our key to success. This is our “mission readiness”. David, the shepherd warrior wrote, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” (‭Ps 62‬:‭5-6‬ NLT)

Kneel And Pray. 

Prayer establishes my dependence on God and expresses my desire for His direction. I not only pray for my needs, but for the needs of my fellow warriors . . . those still on the front lines, as well as though who have been side-lined. I am attuned to prayer for survival and alert to petitions for saints. Paul reminds us, “In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (‭Eph 6‬:‭18‬ MSG)

Stand And Hold. 

We often want to attack and advance, when God is telling us to stand and hold. Our battles are in a spiritual realm and require spiritual resources. He has already won the war. The enemy is defeated. We are to stand in His victory. The apostle wrote, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (‭Eph ‭6‬:‭13‬ NIV)

Eugene Peterson in “The Message” provided an insightful summary, “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG)

Paul reminds us that we are to stand being covered with God’s armor of truth, righteousness, peace and faith. 

Our weapons have been forged by the Eternal, All Mighty, All Powerful God.

Pray . . . Obey . . . Stand. 

This is the winning strategy.