Know Your Enemy

"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.” Ephesians 6:12

No soldier goes into battle without knowing who his enemy is. Can you imagine being in the trenches where your very life is in danger, then leaning over to your fellow comrade-in-arms and saying, “Psst, hey, who are we fighting against anyway?” A good soldier is prepared. He knows his enemy’s tactics and he is prepared to stand firm against his strategies. 

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he tells us in no uncertain terms that we are in a spiritual battle. He instructs us to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. He informs us that God has given us protective armor, a shield, and a sword to wield. He lets us know exactly who our enemy is. Our enemy is not flesh and blood. It’s not that guy who cut you off in traffic or that rude lady who jumped ahead of you in the check-out line at the grocery store. It’s not the person who hung up on the phone. It’s not your wife, your husband, your children or your in-laws. Your enemy is spiritual and dwells in the unseen world. 

Satan is a real and powerful enemy, but he is limited and defeated. He is not ever-present, all-knowing, nor all-powerful. James says you should “Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places are no match for a heart that is humble and submitted to God.