Combat readiness means being fully prepared to fight at any moment. It means
ensuring soldiers, their equipment, and their minds are ready to handle any
battle or conflict. Combat readiness is not just about having trained soldiers but
also about keeping weapons, vehicles, and communication tools in good working
condition. To be combat-ready, soldiers must engage in regular training and
drills to help them stay sharp and ready to respond quickly when needed. Being
combat-ready isn’t just physical; soldiers must also be mentally prepared to face
the pressures of battle.
When soldiers are combat-ready, they are equipped, trained, and mentally
strong enough to take action whenever duty calls. As soldiers of Christ, we have
been called to a higher mission that requires us to be ever-ready, watching,
praying, and standing alert to do the bidding of our Commander, the Lord of
Hosts.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminded the young man of the need to remain
combat-ready.
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one
engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life that he may
please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4.
Like Timothy, one way to remain combat-ready is to keep your eyes on the Great
Commander, Jesus. You cannot afford to allow anything to distract you from
focusing on your mission as a soldier in the Lord’s army. Just as you maintain
physical readiness and fitness, you must also cultivate spiritual alertness. When
you are spiritually alert, you have a willing and obedient heart, always prepared
to respond to the Lord’s call without hesitation.
In Matthew 26:41, Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray so they
would not fall into temptation. Prayer is another way you can be combat-ready.
Prayer is not just a duty; it is a weapon. Communion with God in prayer is crucial
to help you remain spiritually vigilant so that you can guard your heart and mind
against the schemes of the enemy. The devil, the god of this world, tirelessly
works to blind the eyes of men (2 Corinthians 4:4), and as you pray without
ceasing, you stand against his wiles and destroy his schemes to keep you and
those God sends you to in darkness.
A combat-ready soldier stands as light, shining the truth of the gospel through
his/her words and actions. But how can you stand as light when you don’t abide
in God’s Word? God’s Word is the light that lightens your heart and illuminates
your path in every situation. The Psalmist puts it like this: “With You is the
fountain of Life; in Your light, we see Light.” (Psalms 36:9). Your continual
communion with God’s Word strengthens your spirit, sharpens your discernment,
and keeps your heart aligned with His will. In every mission, whether on the
battlefield or in your daily interactions, God’s Word anchors your heart to His
will.
God seeks soldiers who are both willing and obedient. Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you
are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” A heart that is
ready to obey God is a heart that is tender to His voice. The Lord may call you to
speak a word in season, to offer a helping hand, or to intercede fervently for a
lost soul. Be quick to listen and swift to respond. Your obedience may be the very
bridge that leads someone to salvation. Willing and obedient soldiers are
combat-ready soldiers.
Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 4:2 to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out
of season.” Being ready always to preach God’s Word is one of your assignments
as a combat-ready soldier. The message of the gospel is a life-saving power to
those who are perishing. Paul said it is the power of God unto salvation to those
who believe. (Romans 1:16). As a soldier of Christ, Jesus wants you to be ever-
ready to spread the good news to the lost wherever you go. Do not
underestimate the power of sharing what Jesus has done for you. You would be
amazed at how powerful your testimony can be in turning hearts to Jesus. As
soon as the Samaritan woman heard the good news, she immediately went to
preach it to others. (John 4). In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus declared that the
harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. You are part of this divine
workforce. Be ready and willing to share the hope you have in Christ.
Apart from preaching the gospel, living a life of love is another way to know a
combat-ready soldier. Romans 13:10 tells us that love does no harm to a
neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law.” When we walk in love, we
deny the enemy any opportunity to sow discord or division among us. We also
keep ourselves free from unnecessary weights that come from harbouring
grudges, hatred and bitterness. Hebrews 12:1 admonishes us to lay aside every
weight that easily besets us. Love sets us free to live for God, and it is through
love that we reflect Christ most clearly in a broken world.
Beloved soldier, the days are dark, and the battle is fierce, but do not grow
weary. Be vigilant in prayer, consistent in abiding in the Word, steadfast in your
calling, and unwavering in your love. The Lord has equipped you for such a time
as this. I leave you with Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:13.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1
Corinthians 16:13.
Be ready at all times to follow the voice of your Commander and to fulfil His
mission with joy. May the Lord bless you, strengthen you, and keep you always
combat-ready for His glory.