There are two key elements to remember as we engage in spiritual warfare. The Scriptures make these clear in Ephesians 6.
Firstly we are to find our strength in the Lord. As Paul says in vs 10.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
We do not fight or soldier on in our own strength with our own devices. We are strong in the Lord and His mighty power which works in us and through us. Paul highlights this in his letter to the Colossian church when he says:-
To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Paul struggles and labours powerfully but not with his own energy but with Christ’s energy that so powerfully works in him. As we fight the good fight, as we run the race with perseverance it is the Lord and His mighty power that is our source of strength.
Secondly, we need to realise where the battle really lies. In vs 12 we see the truth.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, 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.
The real battle is against satan and his henchmen. The evil one will use other people to attack and persecute us. He will use the world to lure us away. He will deploy people against us, to discourage us and to de-motivate us. As we realise that our battle is not against these people, but against authorities and powers in this world, and in the heavenly realms it becomes easier to love our enemies. It becomes easier to pray for those who persecute us and to bless those who curse us. The whole world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19)! If we realise this, we can love the person being controlled and used against us by satan in the deadly game of eternity.
Prayer:-
- Pray for opportunities to love those who attack, persecute you or make your life difficult. Pray that you would have open doors to minister to them, to serve them and to be like Christ to them.
- Pray this for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria as they are attacked and persecuted by muslims.
Do It Today
Think of ways to show Christian love to your enemies. Do these today as best you can.
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