THE WEAPONS AND WARFARE OF GOD'S PEOPLE.
By M. A. Whalen
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds.” Here is a declaration from the word of God, which is indeed precious to the soul striving against sin. It is an assurance of help from the mighty God, when in sharp conflict with the enemy such a sense of our own weakness comes upon us as almost to overwhelm. Then it is that we need to know from whom our help cometh. The Lord says, Go forth to the battle; and he also says, Here are weapons; take them, and wield them in my might; and victory shall be yours. Why not believe him, and take him at his word, instead of looking to our own weakness? Can’t we believe he is mighty to save? Let us prove him, and see if he is not able to keep that which is committed to his care. Satan and his whole host may stand in our path, but be assured he will fall back when he sees a child of God advancing clad in the armor and strength of the Lord. A description of this armor you will find in Ephesians, 6th chap. It clothes the Christian from head to foot; and when it is all on, the thrusts of the enemy are not felt. His darts fall harmless at the feet. But if any part is removed, and the strength in God is lost, the sleepless, cunning eye of the enemy quickly detects it.155He knows just how, when, and where it was lost, and is right there to rob us of victory. O thou cruel, wicked foe! none but God can prevail against thee, and deliver out of thy hands. This warfare is not after the flesh, and much wisdom is needed from Him who has promised to give liberally, to know just how to carry it on successfully. How many ways and means the enemy devises by which he may reach the soul, to effect its certain destruction! Would to God we could realize these things more fully, and flee to Him who has promised to be a refuge and strong hold in time of trouble. The time has fully come when we should know just where and how we stand in this warfare, whether we are warring after the flesh or the spirit; whether we are gaining victories or losing. Child of God, are you girded with the armor? Are you ever on the alert, watching in the darkness for the advancing foe, and stimulating those around you to more earnest action, strengthening the weak, binding up the wounded? Or are you fainting, dying, from the wounds of the enemy, with eyes so blinded and ears so deafened with the smoke and noise of the conflict that you cannot discern the form of the Captain, cannot hear his voice of command as it comes down the line? If this is the case, let me entreat you to arouse in the strength of Israel’s God; for he it is that is leading forth his people to certain victory, when every faithful, struggling soul will be delivered. Rest, sweet rest, and glorious, unending life in the beautiful new earth will be their portion. God help us to be there. M. A. WHALEN.