The water divided as the huge 1/5 mile long hull of a 1/4 billion pound ship moved forward at 35 miles per hour with ease. It was headed west, into the sun. The west coast of the US faded from view as a full accompaniment of assorted ships attended the perimeter. Why? It was on assignment.
The huge ship was the USS Gerald Ford. Is this fleet going out for an offensive assignment or defensive? Ships CAN be a deterrent, but the main purpose is to be an offensive force and show of might and action if required. Ships also weren’t meant to be in the harbor. There are many weapons on that ship, each with a specific purpose.
Look at the Bible: Ephesians 6 says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:….
The Bible states that there are defensive weapons in spiritual warfare, as well. But only one offensive weapon: the sword. The aircraft carrier has many weapons, and a smaller number of defensive weapons. To put it in perspective, an aircraft carrier NEVER goes out without an escort fleet. The carrier is considered ALL offense. Yet the fleet surrounding it use THEIR offense to DEFEND the carrier. Biblically; truth, righteousness, preparation, faith, and salvation are what Satan has to get through in order to get the sword of the Spirit. But the Spirit is almighty, and make manifest the Word of God. The length of the sword extends far past all the defensive perimeter with our faith, just like the range of a carrier’s aircraft extend far past the defensive perimeter of the other ships in the fleet.
That’s why it’s so important to be fully equipped to fight the devil with all weaponry available. Be truthful, and speak truth. Pursue righteousness, and live circumspectly, be prepared to give a Godly answer in any season. Develop deep faith through study and evangelizing. Embrace our salvation that was possible by the blood of our Savior. Then, we will have the strength to wield the sword with accuracy and effectiveness.
Pray for our efforts in shoring up the places where we need to, and repairing our defenses will demonstrate to the Lord that we are serious! Pray that we practice gripping that wonderful, powerful sword. Let our customers, vendors, co-workers, associates, and peripheral personal contacts be affected by our presence to win souls, change lives, and build the kingdom.
Atomic power is mighty and propel a massive man-made structure through stormy seas. But it has NO match for the power of our God to navigate the dangerous waters of life for us!
“Lord, an impressive navy can intimidate many adversaries. But even a physical navy can only trust satellite connectivity, atoms circulating through wires or flowing through fiber optic cables. You, however, Lord; know every thought in every person’s heart, whether it be good or evil. And when we rely on satellites and their lofty stratosphere location, we can be reminded that You, oh Lord; see a complete circumference ALL at the same time, and at an elevation that can’t be measured. You don’t have to rely on communication channels that can be disrupted. Let’s not be hesitant to leave the safety of the harbor. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”