“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

We have all had individuals and occurrences in our lives that truly get under our skin. I like the account of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel, she understood just where to turn when she had the blues. The scripture tells us “And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.” 1 Samuel 1:6. You can imagine, every time Peninnah, the second wife of Hannah’s husband Elkanah, found opportunity she had no problem rubbing in her face that she was barren; but Hannah ran to the foot of the cross and gave it over to the Lord!

Most often we think that we have been taken advantage of by the individuals that upset us; but the Bible tells us that “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. Therefore, every time we suffer at the hands of another, we must remember that behind the individual lies the true adversary of our souls, Satan, and his demonic forces.  1 Peter 5:8 state “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

We must fervently rely on the Holy Spirit to provide the spiritual insight that we need to discern between God’s work and Satan’s hidden schemes. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 gets right to the point and gives us a cure for the blues that so easily beset us. . .   “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

So, the next time the adversary tries to unsettle and make you fret; spiritually suit up- Ephesians 6:16-17 states “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

And finally, my friends, there are three R’s of a Christian soldier that bears remembering: Recognize (the real enemy), Resist (scripture admonishes us to resist the devil and he will flee), and most importantly, Report (take it to the Lord in prayer-the Lord will fight for you!)

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.

Blessings and peace be with you all.