Picture this:

You are dressed to the nines, decked out in the spiritual combat gear—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. You are ready to go. You are battle ready. But then as you approach enemy lines you realize, you’re weaponless.

Sister, don’t forget your sword!

“The weapons we fight with are not of the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4

The battle we fight is not of this world, so we should be clear in understanding that we cannot fight unworldly battles with worldly weapons. We are secure in truth, held by righteousness, taken by peace, covered in faith by His wrap-around presence, and protected from the lies that the enemy spins. And now is the time, dear sisters, to ready your Sword and fight!

Have you ever noticed there are only two weapons in our arsenal? While all other pieces of the Armor of God are defensive in nature, He prepares us with two spiritual weapons, one of these being The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This is significant.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word in this way:

“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is the Living Word of God, a weapon against a very real and dark enemy. God’s Word makes the enemy flee. When we speak the words of Scripture, we attest that the enemy has no place. There is no rival when we speak in the divine authority of our Heavenly Father.

When Jesus entered the wilderness to engage in face-to-face combat with Satan, He took nothing physically threatening with Him. Instead, He armed Himself with the Word of God. Since He had scripture written on His heart, He used it as a masterful weapon against the enemy. He was victorious because He walked in the divine authority of God.

Here’s the amazing thing: God has given us the opportunity and authority to do the same. God didn’t just call Jesus to take up His Sword. He has charged all of us to do the same!

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” — Deuteronomy 11:18

Read the Bible. Know scripture. Speak it. Declare it. Write it on your hearts and minds, so that when the day of battle comes, you are ready to respond. You need this weapon. Keep your armor tight and secure. Wear every piece so that when you raise your sword, you are ready to stand, and you are ready to stand firm.


- Kierstin Almstrum, Soul Care Lead