Casandra Martin

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” – Ephesians 6:12

It came with the dawn on December 7, 1941. Japanese bombers directed their planes toward Pearl Harbor. Determined to cripple and humiliate the United States into concessions, the Japanese moved stealthily across the waters, closing in on the unsuspecting naval base. American ships closely lined the harbor waters. Planes formed tight groups on air fields to protect against sabotage. “Tora! Tora! Tora!” rang through the air as Japan unleashed the worst attack ever seen on American soil.

It remains a devastating day in American military history. Standing on the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, you can still see the sheen of oil leaking from the sunken vessel. In total, more than twenty-four hundred people died. Naval vessels lay crippled or ruined in the water. Fires burned. The wounded cried out in pain, and a nation reeled from the stunning news that their homeland had been attacked. As President Roosevelt so eloquently stated, December 7, 1941 remains “a date that will live in infamy.”

As Christians, we need to understand that we are at war. Sneak attacks happen. The enemy has no moral reserve. It is determined to bring us to our knees, devastating our peace and destroying our courage. We often think that attacks are going to wait until we are prepared, rested, and on full alert. The opposite is so much more often true. The enemy moves in when we are vulnerable, weary, and overwhelmed.

Vigilance is a necessity. We need to be prepared for the attack that will eventually come. Jesus gives us Himself as the armor we need to wear in order to stand firm during the raid. We can wrap truth around us, hold righteousness next to our hearts, and steady ourselves in His peace. Faith becomes a shield that guards our souls, while salvation covers our minds with His wisdom and goodness. Immersed in prayer, the power of His Word slices through the lies of the enemy and shines its light on his evil intent.

My Jesus Resolution today is to be watchful and remain aware. Jesus has won the victory. The war is over, even as the battle still rages on earth. The defeated enemy has his eye on taking God’s beloved down with him. I am going to stand with Jesus and plant myself in the shadow of the cross. I am going to put on the full armor of God, knowing He will empower me to stand against the enemy. An attack is coming, but it doesn’t have to defeat me. In Jesus, I have already won.