“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6)
Stop sign runners are frequent in the neighborhood streets near our home. I was not surprised when a car approached from the cross street going too fast to stop. I was surprised to see the driver though. It was a young woman wearing black with jet black hair inside a black car, black interior, with blood red headrests and backseat. What a creepy car. I briefly considered honking the car horn, then thought, “Don’t pick a fight with the devil.” In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us how to defend ourselves and stand firm against the devil. One word jumped out at me this time as I contemplated the chapter. Strategies. Per the dictionary, strategy is a plan, often in war, to obtain a specific result. The devil’s war time actions against us are strategically planned. Therefore, we need to be strategic in response.
We need to be prepared in all the ways Paul teaches. Wear the armor, hold the shield of faith. Take the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) and let it prepare us for battle. Pray. Pray. Pray. Read Ephesians 6 and learn your battle plan. The devil doesn’t often drive a black car and overtly try to run us over. Most wicked strategies are covert. We need to recognize him in any situation, because he has a strategy for our destruction. We are “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” God’s strategy is straightforward – stand firm with the Lord and win with Jesus by our side. Thank you for protecting us, Jesus. Amen. ~Tracy