Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)
We need to be aware that we have an enemy, who does not want us to grow in grace and become the man or woman God created us to be. Jesus said that the enemy of our soul comes to steal, kill and destroy. We can take comfort in the truth that the evil one has power over us only as we choose to give it to him through disobedience to God’s word or leaving our tools in the toolbox. If we fail to fill ourselves up with the fullness of God and choose to not be doers of God’s Word, then we open ourselves to relapse into our broken and destructive life habits.
Jesus said, “When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits dirtier than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place.” (Luke 11:24-26 MSG) God is very clear that there is a battle going on within us and around us. The good news is that the battle has already been won and the enemy has been defeated. However, the enemy is still prowling around looking for individuals he can lie to and then destroy as they listen to His harmful directions.
We prepare ourselves for battle when we surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. It is His power and authority working through us that sends the forces of darkness fleeing. We equip ourselves for victory when we bring an open ear to God’s word and remain self-controlled and alert to His instructions throughout the battle. We employ effective weapons to resist the devil when we stand firm in our faith in God’s goodness and strength. We put the enemy to flight by consistently remembering and relying on God’s word, just as Jesus did when He was tempted. This is Step 11’s path of seeking to improve our conscious contact with God.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV)
Like any soldier going into battle we need to be prepared to recognize and defend against the strategies of our enemy. God has given us everything we need for victory. Let’s determine in our hearts to use the tools He has provided.
©2015 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for Equipped For Growth (3)
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.