Stay Battle Ready

Physical capability doesn’t help us fight spiritual battles. Real strength for spiritual war comes from our weakness and dependence on God.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
(Ephesians 6:10–11)

Not long ago, I found myself walking through downtown Chicago, enjoying the sights and sounds of a bustling Michigan Avenue. But just a few miles away, neighborhoods were grappling with violence and heartbreak—two completely different worlds in one city. That moment reminded me of what the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6: There’s an unseen battle raging all around us, even when life seems “normal.” We may not see it with our physical eyes, but spiritually, we’re living in a war zone.

Paul urges believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Eph. 6:10). That strength doesn’t come from willpower or religious effort—it comes from surrender and dependence on God. You can’t win spiritual battles with human strategies. Real strength is forged in weakness when we lean fully on God’s power. Sometimes your greatest breakthroughs will come when you feel the weakest—but you press into God anyway.

That’s why Paul commands us to “put on the whole armor of God” (v.11)—not just part of it and not only when we feel like it, but the whole armor at all times. Every day we step into a world filled with subtle lies, spiritual attacks, and distractions designed to neutralize our calling. If you’re not prepared, you’ll be vulnerable. The Enemy doesn’t fight fair but instead waits for moments of exhaustion, isolation, or discouragement. That’s why we need truth as our belt, righteousness as our breastplate, and faith as our shield.

So let me ask you: Are you battle ready today? Are you living as if you’re in a war or as if you’re on vacation? God is calling us to armor up and stand firm not just for ourselves but for the sake of others. Your prayers matter. Your stance matters. Don’t sit out the battle. Stand up in His strength and fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to the unseen battle around me. Strengthen me with Your might, clothe me with Your armor, and help me to stand firm in faith. Let me not be distracted or deceived but ready to fight for Your kingdom every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: You Can Win the Battle

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Ministry Update from Mark

For 79 years, Moody Aviation has equipped pilots and mechanics to take the Gospel to the world’s hardest-to-reach places. Founded in 1946, the program began in Chicago and now operates out of Spokane, Washington. From day one, its mission has been clear: to prepare aviation professionals whose work is an extension of worship and obedience to God’s call.

The Class of 2025 has trained with excellence—growing in skill, faith, and purpose. Whether flying into remote villages, transporting missionaries, or maintaining aircraft on rugged fields, they go as worshipers on mission. Congratulations to the Moody Aviation Class of 2025! You are the answered prayers of many, and now, the ones being sent.