Ready for Battle By Fannie Pledger Pettway

Do you ever find yourself wondering if you are ready for battle?  First of all, one must determine what “battle” means or represents because there are many definitions.   For example, it is a term used in the “US Army to describe a good friend, someone you would trust with your life, and team mate in a military unit."  In another fashion, it means “ready to battle with the enemy”.  Either way, preparation is the key to ensure one is ready for battle!  When we really think about the term “battle”, it may represent different things but in the end, it’s all about working toward common goals as a team rather than separate.

Many of us feel as though we are ready for battle, but the Chief Commander, feels as though we need some more training; we need to increase our ability to function when things are not going as planned; we need to change our way of thinking; and most importantly, we need to know what to do and not do in battle because if we choose the wrong weapon or go the wrong way, we can cause a whirlpool of destructions to occur! Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight", Psalms 144:1.  It is so important to allow the process of training to take place from the Chief Commander before we just jump into battle without getting permission to do so!

Let’s look at David--he was ready to face the giant yet overlooked (his seven brothers were brought out over him) until God was ready for him to be chosen.  “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”, 1 Samuel 16:7.  This is why we must learn how to wait because our thoughts can cause us to move too soon--in a sense, we may feel as though we are capable because of extra strength and knowledge; but in reality, we are still in training--preparing for the battle that God has chosen for us to fight.  Remember, God’s Word tells us that the battle is not ours, it belongs to Him so be steadfast and move as God instructs to move because every battle is not ours!

In conclusion, know without a doubt that every battle has consequences.  Some will leave war bruises (physical and mental challenges) but in the midst of these bruises, God shall restore--"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you”, 1 Peter 5:10. 

Are you ready for battle!