For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12
Into the Text
Every day, we are in a battle. It is a spiritual battle for our hearts and the hearts of those around us. Though the battle is raging around us, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with us.
In order for us to fight in the battle, we have to know who and what we’re fighting against and what we’re fighting for.
It can be easy to think that all of your problems and pains are due to that person or the actions of someone else. While these pains are real, they are not the source of your struggle.
Our true struggle is against Satan. Satan is the father of lies, and he does whatever he can to keep us isolated, doubtful, fearful, sinful, and self-focused. His tactics are not new, but they are deadly.
It’s important for us to walk into the battle with our eyes wide open. But the good news is that we have a victorious Savior who has and will ultimately defeat Satan.
In the meantime, we are called to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the enemy every day. Notice that there is a working of both man and God in this command. We are to choose to put on the armor of God each day, but it is God who strengthens us in this armor to be able to fight and stand.
Know that you are on the winning side of the battle. You have been given what you need to fight. Trust in your commander, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you that you have already defeated the enemy. Help me to be aware of the schemes of Satan and to lean on you to help me fight every day. Amen.