Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Eph. 6:18)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 6:10-24
During my time serving with the military police, we had rotations of guard duty. We had to stand ready and stay alert in order to protect one another from any attack or intruder. This meant long hours of waiting and preparing, because we never knew when the enemy would appear.
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is urgent and precise. His writing is full of passion and conviction because he knew the severity of the spiritual war the church was facing. He wanted every Christian to be ready for the spiritual battles. Therefore, Paul provided us with every tool we will need: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. He wanted us to be properly equipped and ready for battle. But he doesn’t end there; he tells us to be alert and never stop praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul knew the enemy would appear at any moment, and he wanted us to be alert and ready. He wanted us standing guard, praying and defending our fellow Christians. We are in a spiritual war. Are you alert and ready for spiritual attacks? Be alert, pray, and put on the full armor of God.
Be alert and ready for spiritual attacks.
Andrew Christman is a proud veteran of the US Army and serves as a hospital chaplain in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Wesley Seminary (IN) and an ordained Wesleyan pastor.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
