Equipped by my Lord for the Daily Deadly Battles of This Life

At the Northwest District Convention held in June 2025 in Spokane, WA, one of the presenters used a quote from J.R. Tolkien, written in some of his letters. "I am a Christian, and indeed a Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect 'history' to be anything but a 'long defeat' – though it contains (and in a legend may contain more clearly and movingly) some samples or glimpses of final victory".

I have pondered that thought. The words are not from Scripture, so they do not claim inspired truth. But they are the words of a wise believer who has seen the battles of life. How might this seemingly depressing quote about a ‘long defeat’ be true?

We live in a world of sin. Martin Luther taught that our enemies are “the devil, the world, and our flesh.” We face constant attacks from the evil enemy of our Lord, who is also our enemy. The wisdom of this world is contrary to the sacrificial, loving, wisdom of God. Our world calls us away from our Creator and our Savior and our loving Lord’s direction for our lives. Finally, and sadly, we are often our own worst enemies. Whether our pride, or lust, or anger, or greed, or doubt, or other fleshly desires tempt us, we do fight this battle within ourselves as well. In the end we are all sinners. We have all fallen short. And we all face death at the end of this life. We face the ‘long defeat.’

Thankfully, even though we face the ‘long defeat’ in this life, Jesus has won the war for us. Tolkien writes of ‘final victory.” Perhaps one of the most clear Scripture verses which speaks of both our defeat, but also our victory, is what God inspired St. Paul to write in Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In the face of our defeat because of sin and death, our loving Lord gives, as a gift, victory through the eternal life we have in Jesus! His perfect life, His sacrificial death to pay for my sins, and the sins of the whole world, His death defeating resurrection assure us that, even in the defeats of this world, we have victory, “the free gift of God . . . eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

On Tuesday, September 30, the readings in my daily devotions were from Ephesians 5 and 6. These are rich chapters of practical wisdom and guidance for children of God. In Ephesians 6 Paul encourages the Christians from Ephesus to “put on the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:11) His reason for that armor is found in verses 12-13. “12 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” We are in a battle, in a war.

Just consider where the mark and damage of this enemy may be seen. As you look around you in our world, do you see love, or hate? Do you see unity, or division? Do you see peace, or violence? This disruption damages nations, steals world peace, and also attacks the church of Jesus. Satan is really happy when people are fighting.

Paul tells us in this section of scripture of many defensive weapons for the attacks. In Ephesians 6:10-20 we are told to put on the “belt of truth” and the “breastplate of righteousness.” God defends us when we “take up the shield of faith” and “the helmet of salvation.” (vv. 14-16) Our Lord gives armor to protect us.

But there are also offensive weapons in this battle as well. God calls us to “take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” (v. 17) We also have the weapon of prayer. “18 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:18-19) I do personally pray daily for the church that the gospel of Jesus may indeed be proclaimed boldly.

As I consider the trials and challenges of my life of faith, as I consider my own weaknesses and failures, it is reassuring to know that God has given me weapons to fight these battles. He gives His Word, through worship, through devotions and meditation, also through His sacraments. Our Lord also provides us with the offensive weapon of prayer. There is nothing better I can do in the battles of life than to read the Word of my Lord and to pray.

Are you facing any battles, or challenges, or difficulties right now? Our Lord gives help and strength. Are you worshiping, and reading His word? Are you regular in prayer? In the battles of life, in the ‘long defeat’, I trust my Lord’s victory in Jesus, and I use His Word and prayer to seek His purposes, and as I gain the ‘final victory.’