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“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)  “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 (ESV)

The Australian Open (tennis) started a few weekends ago so I’ve been watching some amazing matches.  One of the things I was reminded of was why it is so important to return to the center of the court after each shot.  Staying in the center is a crucial strategy because it allows you to cover more ground and reach the ball faster.  Great tactic against your opponent – no matter where they hit the ball, you are perfectly placed for a great returning shot.  Good court positioning can be the one fact that makes the difference between winning or losing a match and it proved so true as I watched several players navigating their game.

So what’s center court got to do with us?  Well, we have an opponent known as “Satan.”  And the best way to beat our enemy is to stay centered and alert – grounded in our faith.  Being centered simply means being armed, alert and ready for any shots Satan may hit in our direction. It means putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and resisting the urge to be undermined by his schemes.  It means being balanced and standing strong ready to move in any direction to defeat Satan’s attacks.

Not being centered makes us a moving target for our enemy to control or dictate his attack. And sweet friends, we desperately need the strength that comes from leaning on our God to win at this game. We can’t do it in our strength; this opponent requires the power of the Holy Spirit. One who will enable us to stay centered.

If we are playing tennis, we absolutely know we are in a match, but we don’t always get it when Satan is attacking.  We often transfer his attacks to the people he uses to carry out his plans instead of realizing the attack is really coming from our worst enemy.  We often miss his shots and mistakenly assume he is no longer a threat.  In other words, we get off centered in our thinking which usually results in us not responding in the best of ways – we fall right where he intended. Best solution stay in the Word, stay prayed up and stay centered.  End result, when the enemy attacks we will recognize his schemes and blast him off the court.

Now that sweet friends is the best way to defeat our opponent!!!!  We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We can be victorious over anything that touches our lives if we trust God and lean into His wisdom and power.”

“Father, we are on the winning team.  With You by our side, Your word as our sword, and Your righteousness covering us, we can defeat the attacks of Satan – standing strong and firm in the power of Your might.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life