Many years ago when I lived in San Antonio shortly after getting out of the Air Force, I attended a Navigators ministry retreat with my friends and mentors Bud and Lynn Nelson. The main speaker had been in the military and spoke on being soldiers for Jesus Christ. A couple of the texts that he mentioned that weekend served as the inspiration for this song (see below). We sometimes start our morning prayers by “getting dressed” with the armor either by singing this song or by praying a similar prayer that a friend sent in the mail. Conveniently there are six articles mentioned to put on and we have six children so they have each been assigned one to mention during the prayer.
(Note: The photo is of Tevya when he turned seven. Our very artistic young friend Joseph made the shield and sword for his birthday.)
We Are Soldiers
Refrain
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power
Put on the full armor of God and take a stand in this dark hour
For we are soldiers. We must endure hardship together
For our mission is to serve Christ Jesus, our Commander
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities
Against the powers of this dark world and spiritual entities
For all the guns and bombs in this world can never change a heart
So you’d better choose your weapons carefully before you even start (refrain)
Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
With the breastplate of righteousness held firmly in its place
Unwilling to compromise even when facing death
Trusting that the Lord is in control of each and every breath (refrain)
With the readiness from the Gospel of peace fitted on your feet
And the shield of faith deflecting flaming arrows, you’ll never call retreat
Though an army besiege you, you will not fear
For even when you feel alone, you know the Lord is near (refrain)
With the helmet of salvation fixed firmly on your head
And the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, you’ll strike your enemy dead
Lifting prayers up to the One who sets the prisoner free
For in the spiritual battlefield, the Lord is our victory (refrain)
Copyright 1999 Holy Spirit (via Paula Thorson)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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 armour 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: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3