The Flesh, the Enemy or Both

The flesh and the enemy, both are contrary to the peace of God. Over the last twenty-four hours, after I posted “Rest in Him”, it has been a constant vigil to stay in His peace. From conversations ending badly to feeling judged. I have to say that I do recognize this and have refused to allow the enemy to keep me there or hold me there. The constant reminders of God’s promises, His mercy, His grace, His favor are able to minister to my soul. I believe that part of being able to do this rests in accepting where you are, identifying with the emotion or feeling and then moving past it. Begin with reminding yourself of God’s promises and repeating the Word over and over again. Forgive yourself and others for whatever transpired and move to the place of peace again. Know that He has you. When you know that God is leading you, it is necessary to keep that stand. We are empowered through our union with Christ because, according to Ephesians 6:13-18, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places in the unseen or heavenly realm.

Ephesians 6:10-18

¹⁰A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹²For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, agains might powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stope the fiery arrows of the devil ¹⁷Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. ¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

That said, I am standing strong, thanking God and praising Him. As I see it, encouraging others becomes a game changer for the enemy. He does not want to see us doing what we are called to do. Encouraging others, spreading the Word of God, standing on the promises, and having the peace that passes understanding are contrary to his nature. I know that regardless of the arrows, God is for me. As I praise Him today, no matter what I see, I know that He gets the glory. Christ has accomplished all that He needed to and this is where we come in, “to stand.” When we have done all else, we stand. The call to be alert is very important. Sometimes we may be looking at one way and not alert to the side ways the enemy comes our way. Resting in Him gives us the spiritual eyes to see! Praise Him!

God is truly faithful, ya’ll. Yes, I went a little southern, country or whatever you want to call it. The strength and power of the Holy Spirit in me is bigger than any outside force. I encourage you all to stand no matter what it looks like. Are you standing today?