Devotion 1: Be Prepared

Talking about the reality of spiritual battles and struggles can be difficult and even seem daunting at times. In our world, there have always been extreme views, ideas, concepts, and opinions on anything and everything! Yet, as followers of Christ who have confessed and believe in the true Gospel of Jesus, we must always go to God’s Word as the starting and finishing point of all matters in life, including spirituality.  

As we prepare for the Christmas season, there is a sense of excitement everywhere you go. Starbucks has colorful, fun drinks and cups. Christmas music is playing on every radio station and in the background of all the stores you enter. Houses are lit up with Christmas lights, inflatables, and festive decorations. Around the church, we do some of the same decorations and begin to incorporate worship songs proclaiming and celebrating the birth of Jesus here on Earth over 2,000 years ago.  

However, as we prepare for Christmas, we should talk about the reality of what Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” We must see where this melee started. In Revelation 12:1-7, we read about the Dragon who is Satan. We see him cast out of Heaven with a third of the angels. He has dominion over Earth, ultimately striving to deceive people from the truth of the Gospel of Christ. This passage is fascinating and can also be confusing. The woman is believed to be Israel, through which we ultimately have Jesus’ descent. 

The descent of Christ through Jewish heritage and His ultimate birth here on Earth was not only a physical battle that would come between followers of Christ and those who oppose the truth of the Gospel. It was also, as we read in Ephesians 6:12, a spiritual one. So, what does this mean for us as we prepare to celebrate the incredible birth of our Savior? The word “prepare” is what continues to stick out for me. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-19 how we can prepare each and every day for the ability to protect, defend, and fight against the spiritual forces that Satan uses to attack followers of Christ.  

My challenge to you today is to read over this passage in Ephesians 6:10-19. Pray boldly for your own spiritual well-being, but also protection for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Then, be encouraged knowing that the Lord is faithful, you are not alone, and the Dragon was already defeated at the foot of the cross and through the resurrection of our Savior!