The National War College is situated in Washington D.C. Its mission is “to educate future leaders of the Armed Forces, Department of State and other civilian agencies for high level policy, command and staff responsibilities by conducting a senior level course of study in National Security strategy.” It is imperative that our future leaders have more than a cursory understanding of how to prosecute a war, the economic and social costs associated with it, and a diplomatic way to gain a strategic advantage over foreign actors to protect our national security during the time of war.

We look around the world and see wars in various nations. Those that lead the fight in those wars are at a distinct advantage if they have an understanding of the military, social and diplomatic courses of action that should be taken in order to have a successful conclusion to that war. The strategy they use will make the difference in their subsequent victory or defeat.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. Scripture is clear when in tells us that there is a war being fought in the spiritual arena. Angels and demonic forces are at odds constantly in a war for the souls of men and women on this planet. Just because we don’t see it does not mean that spiritual battles are not taking place. Humans also play a part in this war but most people are not even aware that the war is taking place.

Chapter six in the Book of Ephesians clearly defines this war. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.” It also tells us what to do in order to stand against these forces of darkness, i.e. we must put on “the whole armor of God.” We must dress ourselves as a soldier dresses himself for battle. We must put on truth, righteousness, and salvation. We must be ready with the gospel of peace, have the shield of faith and be able to use the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We must also be warriors in prayer in order to stand in the battle.

As effective as this armor is, it takes time and practice in order to learn how to use it well. One must fight in several battles to become experienced and battle hardened. Our leaders especially must be schooled at the War College in order to teach us how to fight successfully in this war. I have seen many a minister and missionary fight difficult battles and emerge victorious. I have also seen several fall in defeat.

Is this War College only for ministers and missionaries? Of course not. Just as our National War College teaches diplomats and civil servants to think strategically, so must we who are not “professional ministers” take classes there in order to learn to recognize our enemy and not be ignorant of his devices.

Ministers and missionaries are automatically signed up for the college but the rest of us are recruited for different classes as the need arises. Last year, I took the Endurance Class. I hadn’t signed up for it, but as events cascaded around myself and my family, I realized I had been drafted into the class and learned to fight the battle on a different level. Believe me, if it wasn’t for my armor, prayer, the grace of God, and loving support from other believers, I would not be standing today.

Are you taking a class at the War College? Is it one you didn’t sign up for but were drafted into? Take heart. God is faithful and He will help you withstand the battle you are in. Learn to use your armor, pray, and ask others to pray for you during this difficult time. You will emerge victorious if you don’t give up and continue to trust God through the darkness. It’s only a class and it will come to an end at just the right time.

Image by Alison Updyke. Courtesy of Pixabay