March 21st - Wielding Our Weapons

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) ESV

We have been given 2 weapons that not only protect us defensively from our enemy’s attacks, but they can also be used offensively, having “divine power to destroy strongholds.” These 2 weapons are prayer and our sword — God’s Word.

Why is prayer considered one of our weapons? It’s not in the armor list, is it? Well, it actually is, but not as a physical piece of armor we put on. It is a weapon that we use along with our sword. After instructing us to put on all the physical pieces of our armor, including “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Paul continues with this instruction: “…and pray…on all occasions…with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV). Clearly prayer is an essential part of our arsenal.

How do we wield our weapons of prayer and our sword, the Word? They actually work very well together. Our prayers can include praying His Word to Him, remembering His promises, and reaffirming His truth. This not only reminds us to pray according to His will, but it also strengthens our faith because we are reminding ourselves of His truth in the process.

What can that look like? We can, for example, declare His promise that His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11); we can ask Him to give His people a pure heart and renew a right spirit in us (Psalm 51:10); we can pray that, as Lord of the harvest, He would send reapers (Matthew 9:38).

He has promised to lead, if we will ask and then heed. Let’s ask the Lord today to help us learn to effectively wield our weapons of prayer and His Word, listening to His leading and direction in this battle. He knows what strongholds we should ask His forces to demolish.

Today’s Action:

With a humble and teachable heart, let’s together read Proverbs 21, asking Him to reveal strongholds He wants to destroy.

“One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.” Proverbs 21:22 (NIV)