Devotions: The Real Enemy

 

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. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12-13 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

We all have difficulty in life. No life circumstance or relationship is free from some form of strife or problem. It is important that we remember who the true enemy is. A friend of mine said the other day that her biggest takeaway from a marriage conference several years ago was the idea that one’s spouse is not the enemy. Ultimately, our struggle is not against people, but against sin and satan. We need to remember that. When we have problems with our spouse, children, family, friends, coworkers, even “enemies” we need to remember that the real enemy is spiritual. It is sin’s work in them and us causing the problems so we need to fight the battle where it really is. I’ve always said that prayer is the battlefield. If we are not in prayer then we are not prepared to fight the battle because we are in the wrong place. Prayer helps prepare us for the battle and prepares the way for us. It is also important that we are properlydressed for these battles in every day life. We need to wear the full armor of God so that we will be able to resist sin and evil, so that we can fight the true enemy, not the pawns. Then we will be able to stand firm on the foundation of Christ and not be pulled down into and tempted by fruitless and harmful arguments and aggravations. That armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplateof righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet ofsalvation and the sword of the Spirit. These are not just important for big battles but for everyday life. The enemy is sneaky and crafty. He attacks when we are unaware and unprepared. He likes to blindside us and just sneak in when we aren’t looking, when our defenses are down. That is why we must always be ready, always in prayer and always dressed for battle.

Are you aware of the spiritual battles going on around you? Are you prepared to fight where the battle really is? Are you prepared to fight at all? Spend time in prayer, get in the habit of seeking God continually, and put on your armor, God’s armor. Be ready at all times and aware of who the true enemy is.

I included links to articles I have written previously that go into these topics in more detail for further reference.

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