The Reality of Warfare

The Reality of Warfare

Ephesians 6:12 (MSG®)

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Where I live, we socialize around lazy backyard games like horseshoes and cornhole. We brag about our good throws and make excuses for our bad ones while we drink iced tea. Paul reminds us that the spiritual warfare we are engaged in is far more serious than that. This is a fight to the finish against a real enemy who intends our destruction. We feel the battle raging in our own hearts and homes and see it in the world around us. But the battle is not a new one. Satan has been opposing the purposes of God since the first chapters of Genesis, and he will continue until Jesus comes to exact ultimate judgment upon him and his kingdom. Until that day, let’s face the reality of the warfare we’re engaged in. Let’s arm ourselves with every spiritual weapon God provides (Ephesians 6:10-17) and prepare to meet the challenges our enemy places before us.

THINK ABOUT IT

Jesus made it clear that Christ-followers will encounter enemies. However, Jesus overcame every adversary and taught us that the enemies of God are fighting a losing battle and cannot thwart His plan.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You alone secure my life and renew my strength. Grant me a revelation of Jesus that expedites Your victory in my life to deliver me from every snare and scheme of the enemy. May my life be pleasing before You, in both times of peace and conflict. In Jesus' name, amen.