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Preparation

FAITHFUL TO THE END

 Part 2 

 By Caleb Tam













Last time I talked about how we know we are living in the last days and that probation will close very soon for us, who know the truth.  The question dealt with was, "Where are we going?"  Today, we will look at how to stand in the last days.  Let's take a look at some great advise straight from God's word.  Ephesians 6 compares the character traits necessary for the Christian walk to the armor of a soldier.  It tells us how to "stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  These days are evil and I pray that it is our desire to remain standing spiritually though the whole world is standing against us.
The first element necessary is the belt of truth.  We need to be unflinchingly true to our consciences and to God no matter the consequences, and remain trustworthy as the "needle to the pole" if we want to win the most crucial battle ever waged.  Second, we need to have on the breastplate of righteousness.  We must be "perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."  Not that we will never make mistakes, but we must let the perfection and holiness of Christ shine through us imparting the goodness of God to those around us.  
The next piece of the Christian armor is to have our feet "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."  If we will stand through fiery furnaces, as did the Hebrew boys, we must prepare now by putting on the spiritual armor.  A soldier doesn't wait until the heat of the battle to put his armor on if he values his life.  The same goes for us.  We must always be prepared.  Our feet are to be shod with peace.  It is absolutely necessary for us to be at peace with everyone we come in contact with, for those around us are watching us.  We want to lead people upwards to Christ, not draw them away from Him by our actions, for we are His witnesses.  

Next, we must take the shield of faith to block the temptations that Satan sends our way.  Claiming God's promises, while believing that He will do as He says, is the key to success.  For example, we must submit to God, resist the devil, believing that God will drive him away, and the foe will flee!  

The helmet of salvation.  We must keep our minds focused on heaven, and not for a moment take off our helmets, which protect our minds, unless we want to be spiritually killed.  The last and most important piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  A soldier is useless and defenceless without his sword.  The same goes for us.  In the last days, many of us will be imprisoned and tried for our faith, and our spiritual swords will be removed from us.  But if we memorize our swords, we will never have to part from them or be defenceless.  Jesus rebuked the devil with a simple "It is written."  

Let's ensure today that we are prepared for the last great test by having our armor on all the time, so that when the time comes that we will be singled out, we can still win spiritually.  And there is nothing to fear, for all the mighty hosts of heaven are on our side!  


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