Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, and against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:10-12 HCSB
Last night, I watched an action series where a field training officer explained to a rookie police officer that he had to learn to do what goes against his instincts. Police officers and military personnel are trained to do what goes against what we have been taught.
My parents never taught me to run toward the sound of gunfire. They never taught me to go into a building to flush out one or more dangerous criminals. They didn’t teach me to confront someone who was combative.
Interestingly enough, our walk with Christ is like that. He teaches us to do what comes unnaturally. We naturally want to do what the flesh wants to do. When we are confronted with evil, we want to fight the person.
When confronted with an evil person, the devil is behind it. This is why Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-18 we are battling evil forces of darkness. As Christians, our fighting should look a lot different than the fighting we see going on in the world today. We do battle on our knees. We rely on God’s strength, not our own. We wear the armor He provides us, which Paul lists in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Yesterday, we talked about turning the other cheek and going the extra mile. We are told in Romans 12:17 that we are not to repay anyone evil for evil, but we are to try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. Verse 18 says, if possible, we should live at peace with everyone. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.” We should walk in peace and humility.
However, many will see this as a weakness. This is where we must do the things that come unnaturally. When we engage in battle, we must do it God’s way not our way. We must pray and spend time in God’s word for His guidance. We must trust in God to deliver us in these trying times.
As Christians, we never know when we will face a battle so we must always be ready. We must stay close to God, our protector, in prayer and Bible study. We must daily suit up in the armor He provides. This armor is truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. Paul also tells us to pray at all times and stay alert. Our sword, or defensive weapon, is God’s holy Word.
I understand that this doesn’t sound as appealing as pounding someone when they have done something to you or a loved one but trust me it’s the best way. I have proven it several times over since I have rededicated my life to Christ and tried my best to do things His way.
We must understand that when someone comes against us with evil schemes, they are being used by the devil to come against a blood-bought child of God. God is not going to go easy on them. The battle belongs to the Lord. Suit up in the armor He provides. Do what He calls you to do. Don’t rely on your own understanding but acknowledge Him in all your ways (Proverbs 3:5) and sit back and watch what He will do.
Read Psalm 91 and understand God’s protection. Understand Romans 8:28 which tells us God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We are here to do a job for God. Let Him deal with any evil forces we encounter. He will provide our armor and weapons.
2 Corinthians10:3-4 says, “For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds…”
Romans 8:37 tells us we are more than victorious through Christ. If you want to win this battle, do it His way, even though it’s what comes unnaturally.
Have a great day!