I recently watched one of the greatest basketball players on the planet perform poorly and fall miserably and decisively to his opponent. Now I have to ask myself, "Why?" Was he too short? No. Too weak? Certainly not. Did he not study film of the other team...did he not practice...did he not hone his skills leading up to the game?
I would say none of those reasons are legitimate. More likely, he was up against a very good team with very good defense and on this particular night, the other team got the best of him. It happens. It happens on a basketball court...it happens in life...it happens in the spiritual realm.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God. He speaks of a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a shield and a helmet. There is even the only offensive item in the bunch...a sword. Notice there is no defense for retreat among these 6 items mentioned. There is no back plate that would support a soldier's decision to turn and run from the battlefield.
That is because the expectation of our Commander is that every soldier remain and fight. No matter the size of the enemy...or the abilities of the adversary...or the duration of the battle. Each warrior is to prepare well and stand his or her ground. Still, this is no guarantee of victory. So, what if we lose? What if we prepare well, stay and fight, and in the midst of the battle we fall prey to the enemy?
This is a valid question for those who will awake to a new day and face a variety of adversaries. From time to time we do stumble...we do sin...we do fail to win the momentary fight. Something we must realize as we approach the battlefield. It is possible to be defeated no matter how many weapons are at our disposal...no matter how well we have prepared.
We have no reason to lose heart here. Through mercy and grace, Jesus will see us through and in the end...of course...we win. But I pray that this finds the weary warriors who just can't seem to "get it right" and reminds them that failure is a reality for the believer, but so is this. We have a Healer...a Wounded Warrior...a Champion who stands ready to exhort, encourage and intercede for us. In the end he will deliver us safely into His heavenly kingdom!