The Enemy is Alive and Well…But Defeated!

Even though I am continually aware of the influence of the enemy, along with his temptations, in our world today and I even understand that this is expected, more so as Christ’s return draws nearer…but once in a while, I’ve just had enough!

After one evening’s disturbing end that included a crisis, my wakeful night included anger at the enemy…again…and continual prayers for his demise! He’s just so mean and my loathing for him just gets stronger each time I see him at work!

The next morning, the Lord, reminded me…again…the devil’s work is temporary and his eternal demise will come one day. It hasn’t been long since I finished Revelation in my reading plan, so I had that reminder as well. But some days, I just want it to end…the struggle with temptations, failure, fear and even the defeat that sometimes occurs in our daily battles. Do you ever tell God, you just can’t? You just aren’t enough?

That same morning as I read one of my morning devotionals, it just “happened” to be such a reminder that on earth we will feel inadequate for what God has called us to, BUT in those times, as His children, the Lord is our strength to help us in our weaknesses. Here is the August 19 Renew Daily devo:

When God called Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of His people, Moses’ first reaction was to tell God why he wasn’t the right person for the job. Moses felt unqualified, unworthy, and ill-equipped to do the task the Lord had set before Him. “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow and hesitant in speech” (Ex. 4:10). God wasn’t surprised by what Moses said, as if He wasn’t aware of his servant’s speech impediment. He didn’t, all of the sudden, change His mind and decide there was a better person for the job. No, God responded to Moses, “Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, Yahweh? Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say” (vv. 11-12). God was essentially saying to Moses, “I know your weaknesses and human limitations, and I still choose you for the job. Rely on me, for I have the power to help you overcome every obstacle.” Do you feel like you’re incapable of doing what the Lord has set before you? Rest assured that God doesn’t give you tasks you can’t handle because, in His strength and with His help, you can do everything He has given you to do. Today, stop focusing on your weaknesses and focus on the One who gives you strength.

Each day, I follow my devotional with worship music, and these just happened to be up on my play list (enjoy!):

Next I read several Psalms, some written by King David, lamenting his war with his enemies, but acclaiming God’s power over the them. And I read the importance of God’s Truth in a couple of passages:

They [God’s Words] are more desirable than gold —
than an abundance of pure gold;
and sweeter than honey
dripping from a honeycomb.
In addition, your servant is warned by them,
and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. Psalm 19:10-11

How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!
Happy are those who keep his decrees
and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:1-2

Knowing Him and His Truth, standing on it, believing it, no matter how we feel or how things appear, is our strength, our victory. It’s when we call on that Truth, and on the name of Jesus, that the enemy has no power.

So, after reading that devotional, listening to my worship music, and reading the Psalms, I did my day’s study in Everyday Theology.

One of our assignments was to read Acts 20:28-31. Paul was exhorting the Ephesian elders to be alert to the devil’s tactics:

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears.

The devil distorts truth, lures believers from truth, and tests the purity of our walk. He is a liar, hates believers and binds the lost to God’s Truth.

Here author Mary Wiley walks the reader through the armor God has given us to fend off the attacks of the enemy: the belt of Truth (we are to follow it), the breastplate of righteousness (living His way), the Gospel of peace (it firmly plants our feet), the shield of faith (we hold it up to fight temptation), the helmet of salvation (knowing our future is secure), and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God, using it offensively against the devil’s lies). All this is covered with prayer. This is our suit of armor, our strength, to keep on fighting the fight. I’ve included my daughter’s sketch that I’ve shared before on this blog. I just felt I needed to see it again (as well as share it with you) once more.

So, by the time I got to my prayer time, I was suited up, standing on Truth, claiming the Lord’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, trusting His best in each situation I prayed over, and claiming the day’s victory over the enemy’s desire to steal, kill and destroy. And I will continue to stand in the gap for my loved ones as long as I have breath, or until Jesus returns.

Boy, God orchestrated this day’s time with Him exactly as I needed it. And I am so grateful! He will do this for you as well. He knows what we need everyday, and if we will listen, He will speak His love and Truth over us as He strengthens us for the fight!

Read more of my writing on this stinking enemy here:

• I Fell for it…Again!
• Wilderness Temptations
• Doing Battle, Right…Or Mostly Right?
• Accountable…Me?
• Grow Through What You Go Through
• Prepared and Pursuing

Photo by Samuel Clara on Unsplash