In the book of Numbers, the very first thing we read is that God ordered a census of the fighting men of Israel. Now mind you, these men had been slaves in Egypt and although they were now “saved” they had not engaged in much warfare.
There is a clear intention on God’s part that every man sees himself as a soldier and one who is ready to fight the enemy on behalf of himself, his family and all of God’s people.
Among all of God’s people, God “counts” each one who is “able to go out to war”. That phrase is used 14 times in the chapter. Are you one that God would recognize as able to enter the spiritual conflict and fight? Each family of God’s people were represented by someone that could and would fight! It appears nearly all the men of every tribe were involved.
1. They were mature (over 20 years old). These were not children and no one was forcing them to battle. So too we must be spiritually mature to engage the enemy successfully! The mature see the need of spiritual battle and are the “young men” to whom John writes “You are strong, you have the Word of God abiding in you and you have overcome the wicked one”. 1 John 2:14
2. They were able to fight – so then, they were not injured, sick or disabled. We must be spiritually healthy, and willing and able to enter the battle and engage our enemy. Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”Eph 6:12
3. They understood they would be fighting for more than merely themselves. Their battle was not merely their own. They fought for their families and all of God’s people. That means we do more than pray about our own problems and provision. We intercede for our families and all the brethren. Once suited up with the armor you need to know what to do next: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Eph 6:18
E.M. Bounds wrote, “Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.”
Can we count on you to get into the fight? Lord, count me in!”
Pastor Bob Kopeny 
Thank you Pastor Bob. It is not easy fighting battles, but God calls us to it. The question is, do we accept God’s assignments or not. I have fought many spiritual battles, but the one I am in now is the toughest of all….and for Michael. There is great power in prayer, God’s Word and within the body of believers who come alongside us in the battles.