Stuff is happening that’s out of our control. “I know it!” you say. “Let’s work on that. Let’s get it under control!”
Our heads are swirling in clouds of either, “We’re all going to die of the virus!” or “It’s not really that bad; the numbers are all made up so we live in fear and someone can control us.” If all that isn’t enough, then there’s the spiraling anarchy combined with the insane defunding of the police. That can’t turn out well. But I don’t need to remind you of these things.
Here’s what I will remind you of:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12). What’s going on around us is controlled by an unseen mastermind. He’s called the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2) and the prince of this world (John 12:31 &14:30).
Knowing that, how do we battle him? I mean, we can join demonstrations, write messages to government officials and expose things we find on Facebook. But Satan just laughs. In the grand scheme, those things are pretty much a waste of time, though it might feel good to “do something… anything!”
But here’s what the Lord says to do about this in Eph. 6:13-18: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Do you see that you’re not called to fight spiritual fire with natural fire? You fight the spiritual forces with spiritual tools, specifically the armor of God. How do you do that? You withstand and stand in this evil day held together with the truth you know from God’s word. You continue to live righteously. You be ready to share the gospel in these trying times. You use your faith to ward off the darts of the enemy who wants you to lose your ever-loving mind. Remember you are saved from eternal wickedness that’s being dished up. You fight off the evil with the Word of God. Find some truths to hang on to that will help you to stand—because notice that this passage begins with three encouragements to stand/withstand. Lastly, pray like crazy in the Spirit while you watch not only what’s going on, but how your brothers and sisters are handling it, and pray for them.
Now I know, all this doesn’t sound like enough. That’s because we think we need to take back some control. Well, just for one day, take your eyes off the news and off of Facebook and use those times to get the mind of Christ on this through reading some scriptures and praying. In so-doing, don’t feel like you’re surrendering to the enemy. You’re surrendering to God.
Jody
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