For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.     2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV

We were told way back in Genesis that the serpent was very crafty. The devil is sneaky, and he uses people to do his bidding. He does this because he wants us to focus on the person that is causing us the problem. When we do this, we seek to use the resources we have on hand to fight the battle. We become distracted and fail to realize that our real enemy is not the person we can see, but the devil. We don’t see the devil we just witness his works.

Jesus defeated the devil on the cross and the only way we can defeat the devil is through Jesus. Paul said in Romans 8:37, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

God provides armor which we must put on daily to protect us from the evil that is all around us. He provides the breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit which is God’s word.

When you fight what you can’t see, you must use God’s armor. You must trust in God to fight this battle for you, but you must suit up and be there. There are times when we are simply told to stand still. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be Still and Know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth!

One of the biggest mistakes I make is focusing on the person causing the trouble. I forget that there are evil forces behind them and what they do. I forget who I am really fighting. This is a critical, tactical error.

So, if you find yourself in battle, remember it’s not the enemy you can see it’s the enemy you can’t see that you need to focus on. Never forget that you can’t win the battle without God’s help.

Your first line of defense should be prayer. Christians begin their fight on their knees. Maintain righteousness, don’t stoop to their level. The breastplate of righteousness guards our heart. Do all you can to keep the peace. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Remain truthful. The belt of truth binds it all together. The helmet of salvation guards our heads or our minds. Keep good thoughts. Focus on God and His goodness. Know He’s got this.

Don’t be afraid to draw the Sword of the Spirit and swing it if necessary. This is God’s word. We can’t live by it or use it in battle if we don’t know it. This is why Bible study is so important, even in peaceful times. Study His Word.

We can’t see the devil but he’s always there. He’s always behind the evil and wickedness we experience. He may use his minions to upset us, but he’s at the root of it. We are told in Psalm 37:1-2, “Do not fret over evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”

We like to work with what we can see. Unfortunately, however, it’s the enemy we can’t see that can do the most harm. If you want to defeat the enemy you can’t see, give it over to God. Trust in Him. Do it His way. Don’t try this on your own. Jesus has defeated him on the cross. Trust in Christ today, He’s got this. Just do as His word instructs you to do, and you’ll be fine.

Have a great day!