Who is Your Enemy?

Ephesians 6:10-13    The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 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.

We are fighting evil forces today. Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus about many things that were causing them trouble giving advice on how to overcome the challenges. In this section of Chapter 6 of that letter, he advises them that the only way they can stand against evil or the wiles of the devil is through God’s power signified by His armor. He tells them they “do not wrestle against flesh…. but against the rulers of darkness of this age.” We are in the same battle daily.

Many people wonder why bad things happen to good people yet they never consider the “rulers of darkness” hand in the equation. Our world is a very dark place with more people being won over to that dark side daily. People are out for what’s in it for them. And that is not just outside the Church. I have been in a Church where the status quo was more important to the members than the Word of God and His truth. The image of the Church mattered more than speaking the truth in love and following God’s word. So how do you see things? Do you call out the dark things looking for change or do you sweep it under the rug? Are you on the slippery slope where a little deviation from God’s word is OK? The little things grow faster than you realize like yeast in dough. Before long, you are nowhere near what God wants for you. And it all happened gradually.

What does God’s word say to you? I know it can be difficult to follow but do you read it? No one said it would be easy. In fact, Jesus said just the opposite. Do you want to follow God’s will or would you like to go along with the world? Which choice yields better results in the (very) long run? Isn’t it best to vote for and with God? Listen to your heart. You are fighting forces you cannot overcome without God’s help. Put on His full armor and stand with Him. The battle is His and He will fight it if you let Him. It is only your job to stand. Don’t you want to stand on His side? When you listen to God, He blesses you in more ways than you can imagine! Go with God and be blessed.

Lord, we face difficult times. Darkness prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Please help us not to become his next meal. Thank You for giving us Your armor which can protect us from the evil one. Please let us wear Your Spirit as the undergarment to that armor to give us the layer of protection needed to be able to stand for You! And once dressed, help us to stand! In Your name we pray! Amen!

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