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“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV)

War movies are definitely not my fave to watch. I’m more of a Hallmark movie perfectly predictable ending kinda girl. Love and romance are far more appealing than blood, gore and fighting. Keeping the peace is my style, but sometimes we must ignite our souls for the battle, especially when Satan is the one seeking to defeat us.

I love the way Roman soldiers prepared for battle against their enemy. Strategically, they grabbed their shields in formation for the “tortoise” mode. Soldiers on the front battle line held their shields in front of them edge to edge connecting themselves together. Additional soldiers kept the sides protected edge to edge. And troops in the middle balanced their shields on their helmets. The “tortoise” game plan kept them totally protected from an enemy attack – like a turtle protected by its shell. And if that weren’t enough protection, the Romans drenched their leather covered shields with water ensuring the fiery darts of the enemy couldn’t penetrate them. Quite the battle plan and very effective as long as they stayed together and kept their shields in place.

While I have never been in a war, as a child of God I am always a moving target for Satan’s fiery darts. Choosing our default for peace will not work against this enemy. He needs to be eliminated, extinguished and removed from our path. Like a hunter seeking His prey, Satan waits for just the right time of vulnerability to seize his attack. And the “tortoise” mode is one way we can ensure victory. When we choose to hold up our shield drenched in God’s faithfulness and lock arms with others, we create a mighty fortress that even Satan can’t break through. Saturating our shield of faith in His word we are no match for the enemy’s schemes, and God’s mighty power is unleashed when we choose to trust in His unfailing word.

Sweet friends, we must always be prepared, actively watching and alert to the traps of Satan. Armed for battle. Abiding, remaining and clinging to our God. Surrounding ourselves with those who are willing to lock arms and proclaim God’s truth against the attacks of the enemy. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!

“Father, when the enemy seeks to slay us may we draw closer to You and stand firmly on Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life