“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 another person, 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 wounds us, we get hurt and lash out against our loved one, they react and the battle is on! This battle will continue until we ask for forgiveness and TAKE AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL! So, what can we do? “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 – declare “I AM UNDER ATTACK, I MUST PRAY!” Then: “SUBMIT YOURSELF TO GOD. Resist the devil, and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. Draw near to God and HE DRAW NEAR TO YOU.” (Jam. 4:7-8)
WE must TAKE OUR STAND and Jesus will stand with US…
-Bill Stockham