Prepared and Ready for Action

Why was Julius Caesar such an effective military commander—perhaps the greatest in history? His strategies have been studied by generals and students for more than two thousand years. Was the secret his genius? His instincts? His weapons?

Napoleon Bonaparte thought that he had discovered the answer. His surprising conclusion was that the one factor contributing most to Caesar’s success was the way he organized the camps of his army.

Caesar had followed a tradition established hundreds of years earlier, which provided maximum protection and readiness. In fact, his studies showed that over a period of more than a thousand years, “There is no case where one of their camps was overrun.”

It should be no surprise that God gave the Israelites specific instructions about how to set up their camps. Each tribe had a specific role, and each person had an important assignment. When they did everything God commanded, they were successful and safe.

In our lives, we are sure to face many battles. We will experience many forms of spiritual warfare and encounter many tribulations and problems. Yet, even though we know these things, we still can be vulnerable if we’re not ready!

Today, ask God to help you be ready for the battles you will face. Surrender your life anew to the lordship of Jesus, and seek to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word, and faithfully put this Word into practice.

When assaulted, stand on the Word. Then seek to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). You can be victorious!