We have an enemy who desires to destroy our faith in Jesus. If he can’t destroy our faith, he will try to cause us to be ineffective. One of his chief weapons is fear. Fear renders us motionless. He knows that we can’t go forward in service to the Lord when we are crippled by fear.
Be wise and know what you are dealing with when you start to fear.
Who is this enemy?
John 12: 31-Satan, the ruler of this world,
John 8: 44-a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him…for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Job 2: 1 “the Accuser, Satan”
Acts 13: 10 “full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good!”
2 Corinthians 4: 4 “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe
Ephesians 2: 2 “the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”
Ephesians 6: 12 “For we[ are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
What are we to do?
1 Peter 5: 8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Further instructions from Ephesians 6: 10-18 confirms how we are to be prepared for battle.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[e 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[f] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
James 4: 7 “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Don’t let Satan gang up on you. Feverently pray for strength and wisdom to understand your circumstances. Use the armor of God prayer, truth, faith, righteousness, salvation and the Word of God.
Father, Give us strength and wisdom to resist the devil. Help us to live as you have said in Your Word taking on the whole armor of God and standing firm prepared and ready for Your purposes to serve You no matter the cost. In Jesus Name, Amen.