The day is at hand.

They say life is a battlefield. 

I say bring it on. 

In less than a year, I'm going to be going to college.
I'm headed into the big world.
And it's exciting.

But then I have to pause and think.
As much as we may try and push it from our minds, there is evil in the world.
Beyond my small country neighborhood near Lincoln, Nebraska, there are dangers.
I've never really had to ever face any real evil before.
It seems like a dreadfully scary thing.
And it can be if you don't have all the weapons that you need.

As I prepare to go out to really become a part in the battle against dark and light, I made myself a list of things to always remember.

***********

1. Be constantly aware.

"Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
-1 Peter 5:8

......yikes. Don't ever let yourself become lazy in your watch. Because when you let your guard down, that is when the evil one strikes.

2. Know the enemy.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
-Ephesians 6:11-12

This is scary stuff. We aren't facing men. Or anything of this earth. We are literally fighting the devil and his demons. This is no joke.


3. Put on the armor of light.

"Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  
-Ephesians 6:13-17

Suit up. The armor of God is bulletproof.

4. Resist and become immovable. 

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you." 
-1 Peter 5:9-10

It's going to be quite the challenge. Standing firm is in no way going to be easy. But with the strength of the Lord, we can overcome the evil that fills the world and we can restore the light of Christ to those living in the darkness.

***********

It's good vs. evil. 

The most intense showdown ever.
The toughest battle.

But with God, we will triumph.

"For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."

-Romans 13:11a-12