For the past several days we've been listening closely to the weather reports. You know how it is this time of year? the potential for snow, ice, and high winds. Well, it appears, if the newscast is correct, we in the Portland/Vancouver area are about to be hit by a mega windstorm. The kind of storm where you're warned to have candles on hand, easy-to-eat food items, and warm blankets close by.

I don't know about you, but I take these warnings a bit too seriously. I worry, wonder, worry, wonder about what's going to happen. We plan and prepare and most of the time nothing happens. Yet, those times when we least expect it the dark thunderclouds roll in drenching us with a downpour of unexpected grief.

I got to thinking about all these winter storm watches and considered the crowds that swarm to the nearest supply store at the mention of snow. Yet the Bible warns us of a spiritual war that we so often ingnore.

The spiritual battle is real. It's not just a maybe forecast. It's the real deal and its raging around us this very moment. No, we can't run to our local retailer for the right battle equipment, but we can open God's Word and find the weapons we need to fight.

We are provided with an amazing arsenal of weapons, prayer being our most effective. Let us put on our armor and pray without ceasing. Pretending a hurricane isn't coming is stupid, ignoring the spiritual battle is deadly.

Victory belongs to our Lord and King. Let us embrace our victory by standing on our firm foundation -- Jesus Christ.

For more information on spiritual warfare visit: http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/warfare.html