Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalm 144:1

I sat there in the audience among thousands of people, my heart filled overflowing with pride for my oldest son.

He had joined the Navy and had just completed eight long weeks of recruit training (formerly known as boot camp!).

My two children and I took a flight into Chicago to be a part of the ceremonies and to spend precious time with my son before he went off to his first assignment. 

I was in awe of the patriotism I witnessed among the 700 plus soldiers and their respect for their country and the American flag.

But what impressed me the most was their absolute knowledge and understanding that they would possibly join the forces in battle during an ongoing war on foreign soil.

They willingly took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.”

They were marching into battle and none of them appeared to be afraid but rather, they appeared confident, determined and ready.

They trained for weeks and now they were ready should the call come to go into the battle zone.

We as followers of Christ will face battles and we must train through studying His Word, praying, fasting, praising and worshipping our Mighty Warrior.

God’s Word not only tells us that He will teach us how to fight, He tells us what we are fighting:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

He also assures us that we have what it takes for the battle:

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Psalm 18:39

The glorious day will come when Jesus returns and we will no longer have to battle, fight or war:

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4

But until then, keep marching into battle!