LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 6:12, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Every day I watch Ranger, the cat, and the squirrels in the yard “play”. Ranger is constantly trying to sneak up on them and the squirrels are seemingly daring him to catch them. I have seen them be so close to each other and wondered if that was the day Ranger would catch one of them. I have seen the chase happen several times and wondered what would happen if Ranger did catch one of the squirrels. It is almost a daily happening and I am not sure who is tempting who! The battle is certainly a real one.

Paul writes that there is a very real battle happening in the Believer’s life daily as well. He makes it very clear that this battle is not a physical battle; it is a spiritual one. “Satan’s war against God’s people follows an organized strategy. Principalities refers to his head officers; wiles refer to clever plans, crafty deceptions, and cunning methods. Like a military general, Satan plans his attacks and directs his forces (2 Corinthians 2:11)” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Satan may use other people or objects in this warfare, but the real opponent is sin.

While it is unhealthy to become obsessed with Satan and demons, Believers must understand they exist. They are not those cute cartoon characters or those in a red suit with a tail and a pitchfork; they are very real and desire to destroy and kill everything that is godly and everyone who is walking on the narrow way! At the same time every believer (even the very weakest) has enough power and authority from God to overpower every demonic power thrown at them.  Every Believer must know that the real battle in their lives is against Satan who is doing everything he can, including using people, to tempt them to sin. The most effective weapon he uses is the lie; that is why I believe the first piece of armor Paul describes is the belt of truth (see the last page of the blog).

“The struggle” Paul mentions may be different for each Believer. Your struggle may be thought of as anything that causes you to sin. What I struggle with may or may not be what you struggle with. I can tell you that the enemy knows our weakness and strategizes to exploit it. I can also tell you that on your own, in your own strength, you are not capable of defeating the spiritual forces that come against you; it is impossible on your own. Paul writes in verse 10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” It is the task of the Believer to stand, to be strong in the Lord and let God fight for us.

Stand strong! When David fought Goliath, he stood strong believing in the strength and power of God to fight for him. His answer to the mocking and challenge of Goliath was to say, “The battle is the Lord’s”. That is the only way Believers are assured of victory. Believers do not need to live in fear of the devil. We do need to be aware of the reality of the battle that is raging for the lives of Believers and stand on the Word of God and His strength each day!