As followers of Christ, we have an enemy that is a formidable opponent. The things that a life lived with Christ offer us (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, etc. – Galatians 5:22) are the very things the devil, our adversary, does not want us to have. When he sees those things blooming in our lives he’ll set out to chip away at them.
He knows exactly which areas of our lives are the easiest targets. It may be our relationships, our health, our security. And how he’s hoping we respond when he begins his attack is with fear, despair and anger. His plan is for us to forget to turn to God and instead turn back to our sinful selves. Even though he knows that once we’ve been redeemed by the blood of Christ, he can’t do anything to take our salvation, he wants to take away the peace that Christ has given to us. (John 14:27) He wants us to be miserable. And if we let him, he will sit back and enjoy the show.
We cannot let him have that power. Christ died to give us victory and it is ours! Say it aloud. Tell the devil he’s got the wrong number and then hang up. And if he keeps calling back, hand the phone to Jesus and let him handle it.
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. (1 Peter 5:8-9 MSG)
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG)