October 25 | Ephesians 6:12

“For we are not wrestling against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

It’s our natural desire to fight the people who get in our face. The fight is right in front of us. They challenge us without cause. We are well within our rights to defend ourselves when provoked. Every father disciplines his son for getting in a fight. But right after the discipline he wants to know if his son won.

God teaches us that our fight is not with other people. Behind the opposition to Christ play demonic forces. They influence the people in this world. Satan has set up evil world systems that oppose God and His servants.

The person standing in front of you is not provoking you. The evil spirits of this world provoke you. They want you to lose it and fight the person in front of you. It’s natural to want to fight them but it’s supernatural to realize the true enemy and fight them instead.

Spiritual darkness grips your family members, friends, coworkers, colleagues, and even the strangers you pass on the street. You carry the light of the gospel of Christ. Use every weapon at your disposal to beat back the enemies of the souls of your loved ones.

Action Step: Don’t fight the person coming against you. Address the spirits of this world with the weapons of spiritual warfare. Beat back the darkness with the power of Christ. Rely on your relationship and authority in Christ.

Lord Jesus, I know You are with me and have given me every weapon to fight evil spiritual forces in this world. Give me the strength to stand firm against my true enemy. Go before me, for the battle belongs to You.