“For our struggle is not against FLESH AND BLOOD [loved ones], but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)
Like it or not, we are in a battle for our very souls! Paul tells us to:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that YOU CAN TAKE YOUR STAND against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:11).
This battle is one that no one else may fight for us! We must (each one of us) arm ourselves for the devil has and will continue to come against us! We all too often take out our frustrations on a loved one, which of course, is just what the devil wants!!!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thess. 5:11)
Here is the problem, the devil hits us, we get hurt and lash out against our loved one, they react and the battle is on! Of course, since the devil has not been commanded to leave, he hangs right there with us, tempting us to continue to hurt one another! This battle will continue until we ask for forgiveness and take authority over the devil! So, how do we do this?
“Stand firm, with the BELT OF TRUTH…the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS…take up the SHIELD OF FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The HELMET OF SALVATION and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD…pray in the Spirit! Be alert and always keep on praying…” (Eph. 6:14-18)
The next time this happens – stop – take your loved one’s hand and declare “WE ARE UNDER ATTACK, WE MUST PRAY!” Then:
“SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO GOD. Resist the devil, and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. Come near to God and HE WILL COME NEAR TO YOU.” (Jam. 4:7-8)
We must take our stand and Jesus will stand with us…Bill Stockham