Before troops are deployed, they go through many different levels of training. Beginning with Basic , and followed by more specific training, they are prepared for their role as soldiers. This training is essential in order that each individual can do their job without hesitation when under fire. In combat, the safety and well-being of everyone in the unit is dependent upon each individual performing their responsibilities correctly and automatically. Training and preparation are required for success.
When a nation’s army is on the verge of collapse, and defeat is imminent, the pool of potential soldiers becomes thin. The very old and very young, even youths and children, are pressed into service with little or no training. These raw and unprepared troops are quickly destroyed by an enemy fielding professional and highly trained soldiers. These new recruits may be fully committed to their cause, but experience rapid and complete defeat. The reason for their defeat? They are not properly trained and prepared.
Christians are soldiers in the Army of God, and although we do not fight flesh and blood battles with our enemy, we are in a very real war. Jesus has already defeated the devil and given us victory, but satan is always at work attempting to steal from us the things Jesus has provided. John 10:10 identifies satan as the thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Healing, deliverance, and prosperity belong to us, but the devil constantly tries to steal what is rightfully ours. The battle is not in acquiring the blessings of God, but in holding on to them when attacked by the thief.
Unfortunately, some Christians find themselves in battles that they have not trained for. The weapons necessary to defeat the enemy are available, but they do not know how to use them. The Bible tells us in 2 Cor 10:3-4 “We do live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights. We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places.” The divinely powerful weapons available to us are fully capable of destroying the works of the devil. We can receive and maintain healing, deliverance, and prosperity if we know how to use the weapons, but in order to do so, we must to be trained in their use. Like any secular army, we need to be fully trained before we are in the midst of the battle. It certainly is possible to learn how to use weapons on the battlefield, but it is very difficult to do so when under fire from the enemy.
Paul wrote “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.” (1 Tim 4:7) In order to be successful, and enjoy all the benefits of healing, health, deliverance, and prosperity, we need to train. We need to train BEFORE we find ourselves in the midst of the battle. When satan attacks and attempts to steal what belongs to us, our response must be automatic. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, the Bible declares that His immediate response was “It is written” Jesus was always ready, always prepared with an automatic Word response to any trial of life. He was prepared because He had trained Himself in the Word.
Jesus was certainly familiar with the scripture in Proverbs 4:20–22. “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” Hearing the word feeds our spirits and renews our minds. Hearing the word causes faith to rise in our innermost to being. (Rom 10:17) If I constantly speak the Word, I will be using the weapons necessary to destroy the devil’s plans. There are specific Word weapons available to deal with every attack. There are scriptures that cover our rights to healing, deliverance and prosperity. When we speak these scriptures over and over and over again, we charge ourselves with faith, and are ready with an automatic Word response for every situation. “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” (Eph 6:18-17)
Knowing your weapons well will guarantee success on the battlefield. When Satan tries to steal what belongs to you, take the Word of God, the sword of the spirit, and cut him deep and wide. PUT THE WORD ON IT! When you have trained yourself in the Word, your automatic response to every situation will be a Word response. The Word will disarm the devil, force him to admit defeat, and restore what he has stolen from you. We don’t have to take anything from Satan and his cohorts anymore! Be armed and ready with the WORD. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Eph 6:10) WE’RE IN THE ARMY NOW!
