A Formidable Foe

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. EPH 6:12

I was talking to the Lord about the struggles that are facing nearly all of us in this crazy mixed-up world and these thoughts came to me. Why in the world do I think--even for a split micro second--that I can in any way deal with the forces of wickedness in the heavenly places--with the forces of evil that come into my world? And I don't mean just scary, Harry Potter, "end-times" kinds of things--I mean anything and everything that is not of God. That would include personal struggles like anger, addictions, depression, pride, greed, self-centeredness, pornography, sexual promiscuity, and everything else that has its roots in this world and is empowered by this world! Read it again!

Rulers! Powers! The forces of darkness! Wicked spiritual forces!

You talk about a formidable foe! Let me clarify and emphasize just a little:

For the conflict that I experience--calling for extended effort on my part--at times great effort lasting for a prolonged period where I am contending with my opponent--is not--this is a very definite, firm, unquestionable, indisputable negative--against the people in my world--my family, my spouse, my children, my peers, or my co-workers--but this contention where I sometimes must fight violently, striving with great difficulty--is in opposition to the rulers, powers, and forces of wickedness in the heavenly places!

My opponent cannot be seen or touched, but I can sense him--his presence--and I can view his sadistic, vicious, often tragic handiwork. I can talk to him although he does not respond to me as coming from himself, but speaks to me through the person [or people] with whom I am interacting--and they are perhaps spouting painful, hateful, thoughtless, cruel words, obscenities or even suggesting harmful, drastic action!

One of his main tools is darkness--signifying ignorance, confusion, misunderstanding, a closed mind or a rebellious attitude. The Lord brings light and life! In Him was LIFE and that Life was the light of men and the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot eradicate it--did not comprehend it--cannot extinguish it--did not overcome it (John 1:4-5)! Paul contrasts this wicked force with the forces of God and tells me, "Anabel, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil [this formidable foe]" (Eph. 6:10-11). But I ignore His words of caution and try to win this battle with MY strength and MY wisdom! How utterly foolish (stupid) of me!

God does not intend for us to fight these formidable forces. HE WILL FIGHT THEM FOR US! Our job is to keep our mind focused on that truth! Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's! (II Chron. 20:15a)

So I--in desperation--cry: "Lord, I cannot do this! I simply cannot! The battle is too much for me! These forces are so much greater than mine! You must do it for me, Lord!" Then believe; "I have given this battle to the Lord. And when I asked Him to do it all for me, He said, 'All right.' He heard me! He took my battle!"

Does that mean that I will experience nothing but victory? No. It means that my strength for this battle comes from Him! Does that mean I will never get "war weary"? No. Jesus, Himself, had to withdraw and rest! Does it mean that I will never be wounded? That I will come out unscathed or still kicking? No. But it does mean that the battle and the outcome of that battle is not mine. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (II Chron. 20:14). And stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand (Rom. 14:4b).

Do I actually think that anyone or any power could be victorious over the Lord, aborting HIS plan for theirs?

Lord, there is no one besides You to help
in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude (this formidable foe). O Lord, You are our God, let not man prevail against You. II Chron. 14:20 NAS