The battlefield is real and the enemy is determined. With these two thoughts in mind, we as Christians need to take heed to I Peter 5:8-10.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

There are four things we learn from this passage

1. The enemy is real.
2. We win by staying steadfast.
3. We are not in the battle alone.
4. After the pain, there will be gain.

Many Christians today suffer from battle fatigue, and with good reason. The front line of this spiritual battle is everywhere. Whether at home, work, school, or even church we are under heavy fire and the casualties are enormous. What Christians need to understand is that there is no Geneva Convention designed to protect those captured in the battle. This enemy will show no mercy to those who surrender to him.

As the pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church for over 46 years, I have seen the wounded firsthand. Our staff has had to wrap abused, neglected, and battered women in loving and caring arms. We have counseled the POW’s of this war. Their tormenters were drugs, alcohol, pornography, illicit sex, and guilt, which on many occasions would drive their victims to the verge of self-destruction. Thankfully, we have had the balm of Gilead to apply to those wounded and bruised in this raging battle. The bad news is that the casualties may be great, but the good news is that we are within shouting distance from the great physician! We may lose some battles but praise be to God, we will win the war.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Romans 8:35-37

As the Chancellor of Liberty University for 30 years, it has always been my goal to turn out champions, young people who will fight the good fight and keep the faith. Mediocrity is never found in the vocabulary of a true champion. A good soldier will stay focused and will not get sidetracked.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
II Timothy 2:3-5

I am afraid that most Christian soldiers today are dressed for the ballroom, not the battlefield. We know that God will one day issue a formal attire followed by an awards banquet we’ll never forget, but for now it is battle attire we must wear. May the pages of this book, Disarming the Powers of Darkness, be a source of encouragement and strength for every soldier who strives to be all that he or she can be for God.

Dr. Jerry Falwell
Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
Lynchburg, VA