10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.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 armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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."
Ephesians 6:10-18
One of the ways in which we can follow the Apostle's advice, given at the end of the previous Note, is to try to understand our battle in relation to the main one. We need to ask ourselves, 'Why am I under attack? What relation does this attack on me bear to the overall strategy of God?' When we do, we will begin to see that others are under pressure as well as we are, and we will begin to ask, why are we all under attack?' And we will soon realise that this is all part of the enemy's strategy, and in realising it, we will begin to pull together by praying for one another. And, in this way, we get into gear for the main battle. And when that happens, the course of the main battle goes forward, and we will be carried forward in the main advance, and share in the main victory. The truth of the matter is, no attack comes to us personally, out of relation to anything else, but all in relation to what we are committed to in the battle. Therefore, when we pray for the larger work, we ourselves will be carried forward in the glad surge of the Spirit's grace and power. Remember, the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends - 'for all saints'!