Martians in H. G. Well’s classic science fiction novel – since their own planet’s resources were dwindling – invaded Earth seeking to conquer mankind. Killing multitudes with their heat-rays and poisonous “black smoke”, these aliens with their superior technology destroyed human weapons and demolished worldly structures. Ultimately, however, they were defeated by invisible human pathogens to which they had no immunity, “slain, after all man’s devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth”.
In the world of this novel, mortal weapons had no effect on invaders from a different realm. In the same way, the weapons of man – psychology, pharmaceuticals, human advice, self-discipline, etc. – are ineffective in a battle against supernatural enemies from the realms of the spirit and the mind. These threats, the demonic activity of fallen angels and corrupted fleshly desires, are slain by only one weapon – the Sword of the Spirit. And only the Armor of God protects us from their assaults. While you can see neither (the Word of God is far more than inked rice paper in your bible), just like the invisible pathogens in Well’s novel, they are true and powerful, a reflection of God’s wisdom, more than capable of defeating these foreign enemies seeking to destroy us.
The battle is real, and the supernatural is defeated only by the greater supernatural. So put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith to protect yourself from the deadly heat-rays of the evil one. Wear the helmet of salvation, and do battle with the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God (see Eph 6:13-17). God has given divine power to win this War of the Worlds.
Lord, I thank you for powerful spiritual weapons given for my protection. Grant me wisdom and discernment to wield them righteously as you intend. Thank you that the battle is already won and the victory is for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.