No Afternoon Picnic

The first major land battle of the American Civil War was fought near Manassas, Virginia, on July 21, 1861. Certain of a Union victory, many of the Washington D.C. elite rode out in their carriages to watch the battle. Untrained and undisciplined, the battle soon turned into a rout that had the Union forces scattering in retreat. The panicked civilians added to the confusion as they attempted to flee both armies.

We, too, are in a battle. Even though our opponent is invisible, this battle is no less real than any other fought in the many wars in the history of the world. It isn’t an afternoon picnic in the park, complete with volleyball or softball, where we vie for athletic superiority. It’s a lifelong fight to the death.

The only way to be successful against Satan and his evil forces is to take up the armor God has given us, utilizing the weapons of prayer and scripture in order to successfully parry the darts and sword thrusts the enemy sends our way. The battle is fierce, even though the war is won.