Engaging the Enemy

…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Eph. 6:10

It’s a key word in parenting. I even used it when reviewing a list of do’s and don’ts to teenage drivers—don’t speed, watch out for the other driver and, finally, be home on time! 

We see this same emphasis in Paul’s letter. He’s written a lengthy letter of encouragement and instructions to the believers in Ephesus. He then arrived at his concluding instruction beginning with the word finally. He wanted them to know that in their commitment to live a holy life, they’d be facing a significant obstacle—the Devil’s schemes. Leaving their past lifestyles meant they’d entered an intense spiritual battle. They’re now up against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens (Eph. 6:12).

Three times Paul urged believers to stand against the Devil’s schemes. Paul continued with directions on where to find the strength they would need to stand. He urged them to be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 

These principles are true for us as believers today. Think a moment about this vast strength that we both stand upon and have within. God actually provides us with a visual picture for understanding this strength. Paul wrote earlier in his letter that God demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens… (Eph. 1:20). Imagine that. This same power Paul explained to the Ephesians is also available for us to draw upon. It’s just a prayer away. It’s available to renew our strength, to take a stand and to resist temptation. 

Father, thank you for revealing these spiritual principles to Paul and making them available to us through this important letter. Open our eyes to the battle raging around us. Keep us alert to our enemy’s strategies. Empower us to stand in Your strength for Your victory and for Your glory. Amen.

Linda Les