The apostle Paul wrote about a spiritual battle. One which, though we cannot see it, is waged daily all around us. We are not simply passive watchers to this battle either. No, we are in the battle whether we realize it or want to admit it or not. Yes, Christ has won the victory when He overcame the grave but satan is a stubborn old goat and can't face the facts that he's already defeated. And so he continues to attack the children of God relentlessly. We must be ready.
You see, this enemy of ours does not play fair. He follows no rules of engagement and he holds not one shred of mercy. He will attack children, husbands, wives, and yes, ourselves if we allow him. His arrows are set on fire before he even shoots them to cause maximum damage should they reach their target. But don't be on the lookout for a big ball of fire speeding toward you. Oh no, these arrows are much more subtle than that. They come in disguise in hopes that we won't recognize them. An off-handed remark carelessly dropped by a friend. An inconspicuous temptation...."maybe just one pill" (or drink or video or whatever it may be for you). They can come through tragedy or trial or even sometimes contentment.
The sad part about it is that sometimes, in our own foolish ways, we actually help our enemy defeat us. Through our disobedient actions, sinful thoughts, prideful attitudes of the heart, the way we treat others...we actually help the enemy along in his sinister plot to destroy the children of the God he hates.
I don't say this to scare you or make you feel condemned. I too stumble way more than I'd like to admit and fail to obtain the victory God wants me to have. I say this because the enemy has been shooting his flaming arrows at me lately and I'm about sick of it. 🙅 But the wonderful news is that it doesn't have to be this way! Our loving Father and God has given us weapons of warfare that cannot be matched in power or strength. Even by satan and his minions. It is up to us, however, to pick them up and use them.
Ephesians 6:16 tells us that we have a "shield of faith that can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one". Did you catch that? The Bible says we are able to extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the enemy. Not just some. All! Our shield with which we do this is our faith. What is faith? It is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) So just as these arrows are unseen but nonetheless as real as ever, so our faith must be in the unseen, but very real, promises of God. 1 John 5:4 says our faith is the victory that has overcome the world. By faith we defeat the enemies attacks before they even reach us! Our shield must be taken up. It will do us no good laying down beside us!
The same goes for our sword. The sword of the spirit, the Bible tells us, is actually the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17) You see, the enemy is full of lies and deception but God's word is absolute, undeniable, inherrant truth. The same as you must fight fire with water you must fight lies with truth. The Word of God is our sword to cut down our enemy in mid-attack. I love how in Hebrews it tells us the Word of God is alive and active. Not only this but it is sharper than any two edged sword! (Hebrews 4:12) THIS is our sword!
So how do we "pick up" a spiritual sword that we cannot necessarily see or touch in the physical? We write it down, we remember it, and we say it out loud. One thing I have started doing is writing down certain scriptures on index cards and sticking them in my Bible as book marks. It's a known fact that writing things down helps us remember and the same goes for reading things over and over. Find some verses that help you fight whatever attack the enemy is throwing your way and write them down. Then put them wherever you will see them most. Bathroom mirror, purse, heck in your car! Pray and ask the Lord to help you come up with a plan of defense when the enemy attacks.
We also must be vigilant. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be alert and sober-minded because our enemy is always seeking to destroy us. Remember, an enemy rarely attacks in areas where one is strong. Our enemy is no different. His flaming arrows are deliberately aimed right for our weak spots. If you struggle with having a gentle and quiet spirit he's going to send arrows to push your buttons to try to get you to lose it. If you struggle with addiction, he's going to send situations that make you want to run to that drug or that alcohol. If you struggle with pride he's going to send arrows of offense (and he'll usually use someone we care deeply about to do it). Wherever your weak spot is, that's where he's going to attack.
But don't you dare despair or be afraid!! God is more powerful, more wise, more able than satan could ever hope to be. He is the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega. He is everywhere and His eyes are on everything (and everyone). He never fails and He never, ever, EVER leaves His children alone. (Isaiah 41:10) THIS is our God and Father. To Him be all the glory now and forevermore!
Father God I praise you for your goodness and faithfulness. I thank you for the armor that you have graciously given us to defeat the enemy where he stands. Thank you that You have already won the victory for us. Remind us of this when the battle seems long and ceaseless. Please help us to recognize the arrows when they come so that we can take up our shield of faith in time. May it all be for your praise and honor and glory. In Jesus Name, Amen!
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