Imagine a soldier, highly trained, fully equipped, dropped alone behind enemy lines… He has no one to watch his back… How long do you think he can last?
Now, imagine an entire squad… Their individual strength is magnified into a single, formidable unit. In the spiritual war we are in, which one are you?
“…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
Devotional
Listen to me! We need to wake up and understand that the Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. And spiritual warfare is not a solo mission—it’s a team sport. One of the enemy’s most effective strategies has been to convince the modern church that faith is *only* a “personal relationship with Jesus.” While that personal relationship is the bedrock of our salvation, it’s not the whole story! You were saved *personally*, but you were saved *into* an army.
The enemy’s strategy is ancient and effective: divide and conquer. He wants to isolate you. He wants you to believe you’re the only one struggling with a particular sin… Because a lone, isolated Christian is a vulnerable, easily defeated Christian.
But a community that is locked in together? That is the devil’s worst nightmare.
Our scripture today comes right after the famous passage on the Armor of God… Paul’s command is corporate… He’s telling us that your armor works best when it’s locked shield-to-shield with the brother or sister next to you. My faith protects you, and your faith protects me… This is what real, extreme, biblical community looks like. It’s a wartime mentality…
Additional Scripture for Meditation
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV): “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV): “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Reflection
- Gut Check: When you are under spiritual attack (feeling temptation, doubt, or despair), is your first instinct to retreat into isolation or to reach out to your “squad”?
- Perspective Shift: The Bible says the “same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood.” How does knowing you aren’t the only one fighting this battle change your perspective?
- Your Squad: Who is in your spiritual squad? Can you name two or three people in this church who you could call at 2 AM for prayer and covering?
Practical Application
- Find Your Battle Buddy: If you don’t have one, your mission this week is to find one… Ask them, “Can we commit to being spiritual battle buddies—to pray for and check in on each other?”
- Pray Defensively: Pick one person in your small group or on your ministry team this week. Your mission is to pray for them *every day* as if they were on the front lines… Don’t even tell them you’re doing it. Just provide the covering fire.
- Share Your Intel: The next time you’re in your group, instead of just sharing a vague “unspoken” prayer request, have the courage to share the real intel. “The enemy is attacking my thought life in this area. I need my squad to fight with me.”
Prayer
Father, forgive us for our peacetime mentality in the middle of a war. Forgive us for believing the lie of individualism… Lord, open our eyes to the reality of the battle around us. Teach us to stand together, to pray for one another, and to lock our shields in unity. Make us an army that the gates of hell will not prevail against. We are Your soldiers. Lead us to victory, together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.