Sharpen Your Sword for Victory | June 17th, 2021

It was “bulk-trash week.” Not the best setting for a scenic stroll in the neighborhood but despite the unsightly junk piles, there was a very good message to be found in it.

I glanced down on the sidewalk and noticed a couple of old, rusty saws. It was apparent they had not been used in a good while and were now no longer of any worth to the owner. So, there they lay in a heap with several other items deemed completely useless. 

In this wicked world that is filled with so much darkness, disorder, despair, doom, deception, difficulty, and depravity, we have been given the perfect tool for such a time as this. Although most of us probably own one, it may be as rusty as those old saws. That tool is the Bible, God’s Word. 

When we neglect His Word which is the sword of the Spirit, our way of thinking becomes like those rusty saws, unable to cut through the lies of the enemy creating hopelessness inside of us. God tells us to armor up because our battle is a spiritual one. 

The more we know and have studied God’s Word, the greater advantage we have to fight against our enemy, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). 

As we increase in our knowledge and understanding of His Word, our faith also increases and becomes our shield, protecting us from all of the fiery darts the enemy tries to shoot at us to take us down. He does not want us filled with the light of Christ, sharing the Good News of the gospel with others and will do everything he can to snuff out our light. 

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:16-17

The Bible is filled with encouragement to remind you that when you belong to Jesus Christ, you have all you need to victoriously win every spiritual battle you face. Fight back using God’s Word as the sword of the Spirit and shield of faith when you encounter each of these flaming darts being fired at you…

The dart of DARKNESS – used to keep you far from God so you have no hope:

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

The dart of DISORDER – used to keep you in a state of confusion so you will be in constant turmoil:

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace— 1 Corinthians 14:33a

The dart of DESPAIR – used to keep you paralyzed so you are unable to be used by God to bring Him glory:

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:1-2

The dart of DOOM – used to keep you in fear, creating worry and anxiety within you:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

The dart of DECEPTION – used to keep you believing all the lies so you won’t know the truth:

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

The dart of DIFFICULTY – used to keep you thinking you must carry your heavy burden all on your own:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The dart of DEPRAVITY – used to keep you in your sin, thinking you are too corrupt so there is no way God could ever forgive you: 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

The enemy knows his time on earth is short. He is perfectly aware of the signs to look for just before Jesus returns and with all that is currently happening in the world, he knows we are so very close. As the battle ramps up with the increase in this world’s wickedness, use that tool God gave you – don’t let it get rusty! Read His Word each day so it stays sharp in your mind and you are ready for any flaming darts coming your way. With the Lord right by your side, you will be victorious every time! 

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4

The more evil and corrupt this world becomes, the closer we are to our redemption when Jesus comes to rescue all those who have put their faith and trust in Him. 

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28

How can you be ready for Jesus’ soon return? He made it so simple! Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior who shed His perfect blood for you so you could be made righteous in His sight and repent of your sin. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. The very moment you call upon the name of the Lord, you are saved and sealed for eternity! No matter how many flaming, fiery darts come at you, know that you can never be snatched from His hand.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

Kimberly Moore is a blogger, speaker, and author of Beauty in a Life Repurposed and Kingdom Sparkle. To learn more, visit her website at kingdomsparkle.com.

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