Anticipating Victories

Scientists have found that composite metal foam provides great advantages to armored vehicles, such as tanks. The material is made of metal but resembles a sponge, or Swiss cheese, because of its holes. This texture not only makes the armored vehicles much lighter, but also absorbs more of the shock from explosions.

God knew that we would fare much better if we were made aware that we are in the middle of a war (see Revelation 12:17). For this reason, we find examples in Scripture of the battles that take place in the lives of believers. Job suffered greatly because of this controversy, as did the apostles who, after being beaten, rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).

The Bible helps us to take the necessary precautions that He has prepared for us. In the first place, He assured us that Christ has not only won the victory for us, but also provided us with the means for victory. One greatest assurance is the protection of the holy angels: “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). When we have confidence that we are protected, we can focus on protecting ourselves with the armor of God.

The apostle Paul described the armor using words that describe the character of Jesus: “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). However, the same passage also tells us that the armor is a belief in God’s work to bring about this character transformation. Such a change comes about by “the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2) in the Word of God.

An understanding of God’s work on our behalf begins with the Bible but then moves into our daily lives. In our day-to-day experience, we can exercise faith by speaking of the good things that God will do for us and by reading affirming Scripture truths that tell us, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). In this way, we will be wearing our beliefs.

Apply It:

Tell a friend about the fulfillment of a Bible promise that you are anticipating.

Dig Deeper:

Psalm 91:11; Ephesians 6:12, 13, 15–18; Revelation 12:17

Key Bible Texts

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV)