In “Fighting 101″ we talked about how we are called to “fight the good fight of faith”. So if we are in a fight and we know the enemy, called the devil, does not play fair, then how are we to fight? What’s the strategy?
READ: Ephesians 6:10-13
The first thing to realize is that we are called to be strong IN THE LORD (v.10). It is God’s power and strength we are asking for and relying on. Beware of trying to fight or stand for God in anything without seeking Him first.
The next thing is through His strength, power and wisdom, you and I have “His armor” to battle with and protect ourselves (v.11). You see God has been fighting Satan a long time. But the good news is that the decisive battle has already been won! Picture it as though God has defeated Satan and chained him up on a long leash. Satan’s ultimate demise is soon. In the meantime, Satan is grasping out to anyone he can get his hands on and pull them down with him. So, God does not leave us without a defense strategy and some tools that help us fight back. You can read verses 14-18 to discover these (the next post, “Fighting 301″ will look at these in detail).
The biggest encouragement here in our fight is in verse 13:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” -Ephesians 6:13
In other words don’t give up! Persevere! Keep STANDING! To withstand means to stand up against, to resist successfully, to be proof against or to oppose with firm determination. In other words, it is a confidence to know that after we have done everything we know to do…and even if we get knocked down…we can still get up and stand in faith that God has got our back.
Isn’t that great news to realize that we are not “standing” alone! We are “withstanding”. We are standing WITH God!
PRAY: God thank you that you offer so much to me on a daily basis. I know at times I have tried to fight and do things on my own without even considering You. I know You are actually behind all my gifts and abilities. There are numerous natural gifts you have given me, but may you by the power of Your Spirit give me more confidence, endurance and understanding of how You want to work through me to make those more impactful for You.
Champion Builders 