Waging War for Others

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With all this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 NIV

The call in my life, seemingly, is to walk the line with others in their fight/struggles of life. Lately, I have found my phone goes off with a text beginning "Please pray for (insert request)" or I'm in boxed requests on social media. This post maybe a little longer than the norm for me as I find myself in the midst of battle for the believers in and around my life.

As a Warrior in the Spiritual battlefield, I know I have armor that goes with me where ever I am - so long as I dont "take it off". Ephesians 6 tells us we have a belt, breastplate, feet fit with readiness, a shield, helmet and a Sword (v. 13-17). These pieces serve purpose but it does us no good if we dont understand that these are all activated once you say "yes" to Jesus. But if I am not willing to use this armor for the protection of others then why am I even a warrior.

The battlefield of my last 18 years.

You see, the ancient Romans had a great strategy in the art of war. Every piece of their armor served a purpose and it wasnt just for the benefit of one individual but it benefited the whole. This is why they were so hard to defeat. With their armor on and their shields in hand they would march to the battlefield. These men stood shoulder to shoulder in a square formation which helped them from being completely ambushed. As warriors they knew how to use their armament, for example, fiery arrows - Put the shields up together and be encased like a turtle in its shell. This was called a "shield wall". Can you picture that?

Ok...hold that picture in your mind. Now let's say someone has called you and is asking for prayer. THIS is the equivalent to what happens in their situation. You and anyone you ask to pray become that army and they have put their shields up to protect you. They have joined your fight! They stand shoulder to shoulder with you, to hold you up when you no longer have the strength, or if you need to catch your breath. You are being supported from every side with warriors who will fight for you and with you. Roman Shield Wall (realmofhistory.com)

Are you willing to do that for someone else? To wage war for them, to fight as they seem lost, weak, or maybe hopeless. It's not easy , think about it, we are selfish in our sinful nature. We want to protect ourselves and our own before we extend ourselves to anyone else. But if you read that Scripture, the request we bring to the Throne Room should be for those who are seeking help in their battlefield - the Saints are our own, we are family by the blood of Jesus. When we are asked to pray and we dont, I equivocate that to leaving that person on the battlefield alone without protection. They have been left to fend for themselves or die trying.

There are so many warriors out there I have had the privilege to fight for and with, as well as have them take the role of fighting for or with me. Because I know that sometimes my battle may require more muscle and strength than that of which I can muster on my own, I need an army. Being able to pray for others is also a blessing as you get to see how God works out the situation for his glory. Regardless of how any situation you are praying for turns out remember it is ALWAYS for the glory of God not our own. Are you battling for or with another brother/sister in Christ? Waging war for someone who "just can't" right now? Are you comfortable waging war for others even if they have no idea your on the battle field with them? Are your pieces of armor missing? Sit and think about that for a moment. The LORD may put someone in your mind or on your heart. Pray for them, reach out and let them know they are not alone. Let them know you are waging war on their behalf.

WARRIOR ON!