In many ways, the days of World War II seem as if they occurred in a different world than the one we live it. Despite all the natural horrors of war, WWII witnessed many moving acts of bravery, many epic feats of heroism – where men seemed to simply transcend their circumstances. One of the more compelling stories is that of Lt. Ronald Speirs, whose exploits later achieved fame in the series ‘Band of Brothers.’ Speirs stepped in to take command of the famous Easy Company during an attack on Foy (Belgium) near the outset of the bloody Ardennes Counteroffensive (‘Battle of the Bulge’). Having just survived the brutal siege of Bastogne, Speirs took over the command at Foy from another cowering officer. While trying to coordinate their attack between two divided assault forces, Speirs grabbed his service rifle and sprinted through the battlefield to the other unit – past row after row of stunned Nazi soldiers and tanks. After delivering his orders to the astonished Allied troops, Speirs did the unthinkable – he then ran back.
How do we explain such bravery? Was Speirs courageous? Dedicated? Delusional? What is certainly clear – Speirs did not fear the battle. Compare this to Paul’s words of courage in Ephesians 6:12-13: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Paul’s exhortation is that we recognize that we are in a battle. It is a spiritual battle, it is a present battle, and it is a cosmic battle. It is a battle that entails all of creation. It is a battle that is light against darkness. And in response to this, our call is potent: stand firm.
Christians are not called to run from battle. Fleeing the fight is not an option, nor should it be our desire. The sounds of the surrounding battle seem near indeed, yet we are reminded that our war is not against people (‘flesh and blood’) but is against the very forces of darkness in this world. We are called to a battle of light against dark, because we are children of the light (Eph 5:8). So how are we to prepare for this battle?
We are called to ‘take up the whole armor of God’ (6:14-18) – and finally to “keep alert with all perseverance” (6:18). The task of the Christian is to be prepared for the fight, and to persevere with all of the strength that God has given us. We do not stand on our own – God has prepared us for the battle and we therefore persevere. How then do we fight a spiritual battle? Scripture gives many answers, but a few come to mind. We faithfully, watchfully, and thankfully, continue in prayer to God (Col 4:2). We do not simply endure but have hope and rejoice, as we patiently endure tribulation in ongoing prayer (Rom 12:12). We rely on the life-giving, death-conquering, righteousness-imputing Spirit of God who dwells within us (Rom 8:9-11). We fight the battle knowing that nothing – indeed, nothing in all of creation – can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Rom 8:38-39). In short, we fight bravely.
Following his heroics at Foy, Speirs was promoted to Captain, and he commanded Easy Company through the war to the eventual capture of the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest) itself. Christians are reminded of a much greater promise: “if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Tim 2:12). Christian, there is a war that is raging, and you are called to fight. So stand firm. Depend on Christ. Endure. And fight the good fight, until the victory bells ring.
SDG,
Josh Howard
Article originally published in the Journal of the Baptist Missionary Association of Mississippi 75, 7 (Apr 2021): 7