“After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.” Exodus 17:8.

Children often utilize the term “fighting fair” or “playing fair.” The expression denotes that the other child is unfair and goes beyond the norm, doing anything to win. Our formidable foe, and enemy of our souls, Satan, and his demonic forces, can be characterized like that unfair child in the fight…he will do anything to try and win; most often using the element of surprise, or sneak attacks to catch us off guard at our weakest moments.

A prime example can be found in the book of Exodus chapter seventeen and the Battle of Rephidim. While the Jews were still in Rephidim, the Amalekites, a mightily and fierce people, descendants of Esau, and well-trained in the art of warfare, suddenly attacked the people of Israel from behind where the weaker and slowest individuals, became prey. It was an unprovoked and cowardly attack upon a tired and weary people. “After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.” Exodus 17:8.

The good news is that the Israelites defeated the Amalekites; my friends God has never lost a battle…God wins every time! “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14.

Take note and never forget that during the most vulnerable periods in our lives is when the enemy will also attack us from behind; he does not care that you are down to your last dime, facing debilitating illnesses, or even God forbid, heartbroken and in need of comfort; his desire is to utterly destroy us…to make us think that God does not care.

But, let me put you on notice…he is the father of all lies; our Heavenly Father loves us one and all, Romans 8:38-39 reminds us “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Absolutely nothing can take His love away or steal the peace that only He can give His beloved children … “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

My friends, jot down or put to memory these 3 Rs of a Christian soldier- 1. Recognize who your real enemy is, 2. Resist the devil and he will flee from you and most important of all, 3. Report the fiery darts of the enemy to the Lord…Just a little talk with Jesus, always makes it right!

So, let us stay steadfast in prayer before the throne of grace…God will guide, protect, succor, and give us all the strength we need to defeat the enemy! “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Romans 8:37.

God’s grace and peace be with us all.