We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP

Four times, the Bible says, “Gird up your loins.” In all four, it means to tighten your belt. In ancient days, men wore loose-fitting robes. But if a man was about to run, labor, or battle, he’d trip on those loose robes, so he must tighten his belt. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind…” In these “last days” or “last times,” we’re not facing just a physical battle, but a spiritual one, and it begins in our minds.

The belt that you’re to tighten is not a fashionable belt. It’s spiritual. “… we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man… Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God,” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, AMP). This belt, especially if you’ve seen battle, is likely covered with dirt and sand, as well as sweat, tears, and blood, but never underestimate its strength!

We’re facing an enemy so fierce and cunning, we can’t possibly imagine. But that doesn’t give him the upper hand. We may not have eyes to see him, but we are well-aware of his schemes. They haven’t changed since the garden. On the one hand, we have a strong belt. On the other, a fierce enemy. How do we win? We must “put on” the truths in God’s Word:

• … put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. (Ephesians 6:13)
• … So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. (Romans 13:12)
• … put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self— (Colossians 3:10)

I’ve heard many coaches say that games are won or lost in your mind, long before your actual performance. If we’re going to prepare for battle, for whatever lies ahead, we must constantly be in the Word and in prayer. We must remember that we’re made in the image of God, that we have the mind of Christ, and that we are more than conquerors!

The enemy is coming for us, so we must gird up our loins – the loins of our minds – and prepare for battle. Are you ready?