Dear Precious Friends,
On this beautiful new day, this gift and treasure, I pray we remember this image before we step out of our doors into the world... and we remember to immerse ourselves in God's word and armor up! I LOVE THIS VISUAL!
It's really lonely when we try to fight our battles on our own. It's really amazing when we submit to the Lord and remember who and where our strength comes from. We do battle God's way not on our own.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us who our real enemy is:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (NIV).
What does this mean? This verse is saying that behind all the things that are happening on the surface—behind relational issues, daily trials, and struggles in our mind and emotions—there is also a very real spiritual battle taking place.
If you ask any general in the military, they’ll tell you one of the most important things to do before going into battle is to “know your enemy.”
You see, Satan is real, and the Bible tells us that he wants to steal, kill and destroy–that’s his sole purpose (see John 10:10). He’s a liar, deceiver, destroyer, controller, manipulator and accuser.
First Peter 5:8 (AMPC) says, …That enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
Satan is the source of evil in this world, and he wants to vehemently oppose our growth and spiritual progress. He’s against anything and anyone who is for righteousness, peace, love, joy, generosity, compassion and kindness.
While we don’t need to pay an excessive amount of attention to him, we do need to understand his strategies so we don’t struggle all the time—so we can learn to fight and win the battles we face every day.
Satan, who the Bible calls “the god of this world,” has power (see 2 Corinthians 4:4). And his goal is to come against and defeat God’s children. But here’s the good news: Satan is no match for Almighty God.
No, we can’t defeat Satan on our own. However, as children of God, we have the power and authority of Jesus Christ at work in us through the Holy Spirit. First John 4:4 AMPC says, …He Who lives in you [God] is greater (mightier) than he [Satan] who is in the world.
I love the way the apostle puts it in Romans 8:31 AMPC. He says, …If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
Jesus didn’t give His life on the cross just so we could barely get by and struggle through life until we get to heaven. He came so we could have life and enjoy it. He came so we can have the upper hand over our enemy in every situation
So, how do you fight God’s way?
Remember, we are in a spiritual battle, and it goes much deeper than what we see on the surface. That’s why knowing His Word is so incredibly important. The Bible clearly outlines God’s strategies for overcoming the enemy, and it contains His wisdom and the direction we need for every problem we face.
God’s Word shows us who we are in Christ and teaches us how to defeat the enemy through His strength. His Word has the power to renew our mind, heal our brokenness and change our lives (see Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:12).
Simply put, God’s Word is our protection. We must know it, love it, obey it...and use it against the enemy when he comes against us.
Satan hates the Word and will do anything he can to prevent us from knowing it and applying it in our lives. He knows it contains the truth and has the power to transform who we are!
We must read and meditate on God’s Word, so we will get it deep down in our heart. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us, and He will show us how to obey the Word in your daily life. Because knowing what God’s Word says—and then doing what it says—is the greatest weapon we have to winning life’s battles!
The Lord never intended for us to struggle all our life, constantly feeling overwhelmed and fighting the same battles. He wants to equip us with the tools we need to succeed in life—in our relationships, in your soul, and in every other area.
It’s so important for us to remember that God is our Source and the key to living a great life. He wants to fight our battles, but the choice is ultimately up to us. John 15:5 APMC literally changed everything for me, and I know it can do the same for you. The Lord says:
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
I like to say that we are “everything-nothings.” We are everything with God but nothing without Him!
May we Set aside time to spend with God. Talk to Him in prayer, read His Word, or simply sit quietly in His presence. As we do, He’ll be faithful to equip us with everything you need to win life’s battles.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens to me. Philippians 4:13
ARMOR UP My Friends!
AMEN!!!
