“Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.”
{Ephesians 6:11-13}
The Enemy And the Lover
We would do well to always remember two things:
There is a lover of our soul who…
is always for us {Romans 8:31}, with us {Isaiah 43:5}, and on our side {Psalm 118:6}. He is father and friend {Psalm 103:13, 1 John 3:1 and John 15:13}, willing to help {Isaiah 41:13} and heal {Psalm 147:3}, eager to save {John 3:36, Romans 10:13}. To him, we are precious {Isaiah 43:4}, so much so, he sacrificed his life for me {John 3:16}. For us.
and . . .
There is an enemy of our soul who…
seeks to kill and steal and destroy {John 10:10}. He is roaring lion on blood-thirsty prowl and he will devour you {1 John 3:8}. This one is master of disguise {2 Corinthians 11:14}, a dragon {Revelation 12:9}, and a schemer {Ephesians 6:11}; accusing {Revelation 12:10}, oppressive {Acts 10:38} and divisive {Luke 11:18}.
While it’s impossible for me to know your circumstances, it’s a safe bet there is some tension in your life pitting rocks against hard places. So often — too often — relational tensions arise between people who matter to us. Whether colleague or companion, family or friend, issues can arise with potentially devastating consequences.
What begins as a simple misunderstanding between two people can dismantle a friendship . . .
Distrust can creep in when a co-worker oversteps boundaries or capitalizes on your ideas . . .
One child’s poor decision can wreak havoc on the entire family . . .
A spouse’s infidelity can shatter a marriage . . .
It’s so easy to focus on how we’re hurt in the process. Pain demands attention.
In nature, pain is a good thing. It can signal a course of correction that keeps us safe. Alive even. If you’re swimming and under water too long, you don’t even have to think about it — your body fights its way to the surface so your lungs can replenish oxygen. Heat from a campfire reminds you to keep a safe distance to avoid getting burned.
In life, relational fractures and its accompanying pain can orient a self-focus: when we’re angry, hurt, or embarrassed; when we feel rejected, ignored, or marginalized.
But . . . when we’re governed by our feelings we can forget we’re at war.
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. {Ephesians 6:12}
When I forget there’s a very real enemy who wants to take me down, that he can disguise himself in circumstances and deceptive feelings that shift my focus from Christ to myself, when I find myself at war with another . . . the enemy celebrates victory. He’s won that battle.
But . . . but . . . when I recognize the battle for what it is — a tool of the enemy to ensnare me and make me forget Whose I am — when I cling to the promises of the One who loves me wholly and best, our great God who informs who we are and Whose we are, victory is mine.
Because victory is already His.
We already know the ending of our story: we win. Good conquers evil. Love triumphs.
When we live with the end in mind, when we remember there is a force against us but a greater one for us, it changes everything.
Or it can.
How can we pray for you today?
by Robin Dance
- As you leave a prayer request in the comments, be sure to pray also for the person just before you.