I am convinced that there are more difficult times ahead. We can already see this in the news. Not just economic changes and difficulties but an increase of evil. Paul helps to prepare us for such a period by commanding us to put on the whole armour of God.

“Therefore put on the full armour 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. Stand firm then, with….” (Eph 6:13-14a)

Why? So that we might stand firm when the battle comes.

Sharpe’s overcomers

Let me illustrate this from an episode of the TV series “Sharpe”, about an officer in the Napoleonic Wars. He is charged with training the South Essex regiment to fire their muskets at a faster three rounds a minute, in order to be able to take on the French forces. Sharpe succeeds in training them by showing them a new technique.

However, he then informs them that this is actually not the real issue when they are faced with the French soldiers marching towards them. They will will have to cope with cannon fire and the French continuing to come at them after each of their musket volleys. So the question is will they stand firm and continue to fire?

Later the French are seen approaching and a fierce battle ensues. The French indeed keep coming even when fired at repeatedly. This begins to unnerve the English soldiers but they remember Sharpe’s words and keep firing. Eventually, the French soldiers slow, then stop and then flee in the opposite direction.

The Key question

So the crucial thing for believers when faced with difficult times ahead and the spiritual battle is to stand firm. Then we will be overcomers in the day of evil.

However, the question is will you stand?

Click here for 4 powerful encouragements when in the storm from the book of Job.