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“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.”  Ephesians 6:12  (ESV)

I’m definitely a lover of sports.  Growing up, I was all about being outside shooting some hoops, tackling the neighborhood kids, swinging the bat and slamming that little yellow ball across the net.  Never been a fan of watching – being on the team, participating was my go to.  The thrill of competition energized me, and the agony of defeat slayed me. Being a spectator was never on my radar.

One sport I never was tempted to play was wrestling.  Main reason was it just simply looked painful, and I’m not a fan of pain.  Quite the combat sport, wrestling is upclose and in your face with your opponent. Clinch fighting, throws, take downs, joint locks, pins and grappling holds – not exactly my style.   Guess I will pass and sit the bench on this one.

While we can choose to opt out of wrestling, we can’t excuse ourselves from combat with our scheming enemy.  Strategic, intentional and pre-meditated, Satan seeks to devour and destroy believers – his ultimate opponent.  Relentless in his attacks, our enemy loves to divert our attention away from him and onto the people in our lives.  Forgetting the real source of conflict, we go head to head – wrestling with flesh and blood totally unaware of who the instigator really is (Ephesians 6:12)

Absolutely love this reminder in Ephesians 6 to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (vs 10).  If I’m relying on self, I’m facing an uphill battle and that won’t be pretty.  The enemy’s tactics require total reliance on our Lord.  Half-hearted wrestling will not work.  We have to clothe ourselves in the full armor of God from head to toe (vs. 14 – 17).  And then we pray at all times in the Spirit remaining alert, persevering and interceding for all believers. No one is exempt from Satan’s schemes and attacks – we’re all in this battle together – no spectators allowed.

While the very thought of combative, face to face opposition with our enemy is frightening and paralyzing, we must keep our eyes fixed on our Lord.  He is the One who fights for us (2 Chronicles 20:17).  He is the One who strengthens us and girds us with truth.  He is the One whose faithfulness covers us extinguishing the firey darts of the evil one.  He is our helmet of salvation protecting our minds from straying and fearful thoughts.  He is the very Word of God which equips us to pin Satan down. When we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with the real enemy clothed in God’s armor, we will be victorious.

“Father, You have taught us how to stand firm against the evil forces seeking to devour us.  Help us to choose daily to take up your armor and march into battle victorious because You are with us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life