Deployed: Encouragement While Serving In Harm's WaySample

Battle Rattle

My first day going outside the wire in Afghanistan was inside the green box, a relatively safe area.  Nevertheless, I had to put on my flak jacket with plates and wear my uncomfortable helmet. My 9mm Beretta had a bullet chambered, a status I was never to have while on base.  Knowing what traps could be left out there for us in the form of IEDs (improvised explosive devices), made me nervous.

Living your daily life can be like going outside the wire.  You have to get dressed for battle no matter what you are doing.  There are traps laid out for you of various shapes and sizes: traps of lying, cheating, lust, dissension among coworkers, friends and family, etc.  God gave us great battle rattle to wear for these daily traps. It’s called the armor of God.  It includes the following:

• ·  Helmet of Salvation – When you’ve asked Christ into your heart to be your Savior, His blood covers all your sins.
• ·  Breastplate of Righteousness – This protects your heart as you walk in a humble manner worthy of God’s calling.
• ·  Belt of Truth – Wear this tight around your waist so you believe God’s truth instead of the daily lies of the enemy.
• ·  Shield of Faith – Use this as you stand on the promises of God.  This helps deflect the fiery darts of doubt the enemy hurls your way.
• ·  Sandals of the Gospel of Peace – As you go out in the world, you have a chance to share the love of Christ with others. 
• ·  Sword of the Spirit – This is your only offensive weapon, the Word of God.  Use it daily!

In order for armor to be effective, you have to wear all of it.  In fact, it says to put on the full armor of God.  Can you imagine engaging in a firefight and not having your vest on?  Any part of the armor that you don’t wear leaves you open to injury.  So when you get up tomorrow morning, make sure to put on the whole armor of God before you start your day.  

Questions:

1.  Why do you think it’s important to wear your battle rattle when going outside the wire? 

2.  Why is it important to daily wear your armor of God?

3.  What are some lies or doubts the enemy uses on you?  What are some Bible verses you can use to combat those lies?