We live in the midst of a spiritual battlefield, with deadly bullets whizzing by at all hours, fires lit deliberately among us, and treacherous traps set before us when we least expect them. Though this warfare is not physical, the stakes are much higher than life and death on this earth. The precious prize on the table is the eternal fate of a human soul, and the devil is playing for keeps. Not a day goes by when the evil one is not out in full force tempting us seductively, planting seeds of doubt, and flippantly taking advantage of our weaknesses. The devil is never far away, lying in wait in the shadows of our flaws, and pouncing on any and every opportunity to get his claws firmly in us. This bane of our existence is constantly alert, on the hunt for a stumbling or distracted Christian, so we must be even more vigilant, expecting his attack and ready for it when it inevitably comes. Our Shepherd will guard us and help us, so we need not fear. But in order for our Father to help us, we must allow Him to help, calling out to Him in prayer. We have been called to this spiritual battle so we must fight back with all that we have. Filling our minds with His holy Word will strike fear in our enemy and surround our heart in His love and truth. We must remember that the devil knows every trick in the book, and he wages a war of strategy, but one defense that will never fail to make him turn tail and run is a faithful submission to our Father as we turn to Him with trust. The devil may attack with all kinds of piercing weaponry and wiles, but we are clad with the armor of God, if we hold fast to truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and most of all, the word of God. Even though the evil one is bold, we can be bolder with the knowledge and comfort that we will always be on the winning side as we courageously fight the good fight, and confidently embrace eternal life.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:11-17

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12