Have you heard the story about Zachary Boyd?
Army Specialist Zachary Boyd, 19, of Fort Worth, Texas has gained unlikely celebrity after the Associated Press captured a photo of him fighting the Taliban in a bright red t-shirt, pink “I love NY” boxer shorts, and flip-flops. Boyd was asleep at his base in the Korengal Valley in the Kunar province when enemy fighters attacked his unit. He had just enough time to put on his helmet and body armor before joining his comrades on the front line.
I love this picture. I love this story. I love Zachary’s determination to fight the enemy even when he had an excuse to lay down longer or let someone else fight. He got on what he needed, then he rushed out to face the enemy with courage and belief that even in his barely awakened state, he could win.
People, we are at war. There is an enemy that is trying to take out you, your family, your ministry, and he doesn’t come at predetermined times.
The Devil doesn’t make appointments. He is cunning. He is scheming. He comes when you least expect it and tries to attack you in your weakest moment. Satan waits for an opportune time to attack (Luke 4:13). He comes like a lion fiendishly searching for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). His goal is to encourage God’s children to fall (Job 1:6-8). He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
But when he comes, fight him. No matter if you are wearing pink boxers and flip-flops. Fight him. Be careful though, he fights dirty. So you have to bring the protection out there by putting on God’s armor – not yours (Eph. 6:10-20).
In your own power, Satan would make a light snack out of you, but if you remember and occasionally remind Satan that greater is he who is in us (Jesus) than he who is in the world (Satan), he doesn’t stand a chance.
Remember that every single solitary time that Satan tempts you, God provides you with a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). There is never a time in the middle of the night when Satan comes and tempts you to sin that you can’t jump out of bed and have a way to fight. God promised that.
So be prepared. A fight is coming. Always be ready.
[For more on this topic, check out the sermon, “The Dragon Outside the Nativity.”]
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.