“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.“—2 Timothy 4: 7
If we can truthfully say those words, like the apostle Paul, then we will have lived the life God intended. Perhaps not an easy life, nor even a “successful” life by worldly standards. But a life full of meaning, purpose, sacrifice, and love. A life worth living.
The “good fight” isn’t just any fight. This is the fight, for our faith, to ward off spiritual attacks, to keep our hearts focused, to intercede for our loved ones, and to trust the Lord with confidence.
God gives us the tools to fight the good fight, described in Ephesians 6 as “the armor of God.”
If you are struggling, overwhelmed, and the battle feels too great, study this armor, then, by faith, use it!
Wear the BELT OF TRUTH. Paul’s belt was battle-worn and salt-stained, like an old horse’s bridle. The truth gave him confidence and strength in difficult times.
His battle-tarnished BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS sheathed his torso, protecting his heart. The righteousness of Jesus, not our own, is what protects our lives from the assaults of Satan.
His legs may have grown tired from years of traveling, running, walking, and climbing, but they were most comfortable when his feet were “fitted with the readiness that comes from the GOSPEL OF PEACE.” Paul stood his ground on several continents, experiencing and standing in the peace of Christ. Shalom.
His SHIELD must have been terrifying to his spiritual enemies, for the broken shafts of fiery arrows and charred marks revealed him to be the victor of many battles. His SHIELD OF FAITH held strong as he clung to God’s Word, extinguishing every fiery arrow of doubt, immorality, and materialism thrown his way.
On his graying head, Paul wore a sturdy, faithful helmet, dented and marred, having survived many blows from the enemy. But his HELMET OF SALVATION never failed him, protecting his mind and preserving his life.
Finally, his sword. Greater than Excalibur or all the legendary swords ever imagined or described in fairy tales or history: “the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the Word of God.” The ultimate offensive weapon, cutting through everything—armor, flesh, bone, marrow, even the soul.
To fight “the good fight,” Paul wielded every weapon of spiritual warfare God offered him.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,” he said, “but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12, NIV).”
Don’t forget. The real battle lies in the spiritual realm, where victory is realized through a relationship with the God who loves you.
