Your adversary’s schemes: Fear (Day 10)
Don’t you find it interesting that the bible admonishes us, at many different times and in so many different ways, to not be afraid? Especially when you begin to realize fear is one of the main weapons used by our ultimate enemy against us? Yes we do have an ultimate enemy, opposition behind the opposition if you will. After you have faced your number one opposition; yourself, you must now turn to another opponent, an opponent whose schemes has been the trouble of many great champions.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:10-13
You face an ultimate enemy who desires to keep you from the reward of a successful championship, an enemy whose weapons are shaped from careful study and scheming (the worse kind) and it’s all aimed at you and what you have to offer.
We understand that through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, the enemy of our souls has already been defeated but this does not call for putting down your weapons to do celebratory dances, this is a call for vigilance. Because if he has already been defeated, then at this point in the championship, he isn’t really fighting to win, he’s fighting so that you would be defeated too. This is the worst kind of opponent to have, the kind who has nothing to lose, whose fight is solely aimed towards your demise. Such an enemy will use any method necessary, he won’t fight fair, he will kick you when you’re down and he will not stop until you are out of the fight.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… (ESV) Eph 6:16
When we become afraid we have a physiological and psychological response, which prepares us for one of two responses: fight or flight, but dulls our ability to think clearly. The response we choose in the moment is often dependent on our brain’s assessment of the situation and the resources necessary to deal with it. However, in that snap judgement moment, we may not always accurately assess the situation and oftentimes we end up running when we shouldn’t or fighting when we can’t. The bible admonishes us to not be afraid but to trust in the power and authority we have in Jesus Christ. To me it seems that in order to face the weapon of fear, we need to develop confidence in the power and might of the Lord (faith), so that we always make a proper assessment of our resources in that snap judgement moment. This is why faith is likened to a shield, in the heat of battle your snap reaction is always defensive (raising your shield) but you’ll only raise your shield if you have it. If you don’t have it or you don’t believe it is sufficient to protect you, you are likely to run away and surrender to your enemy. The enemy of our souls will always try to make us afraid and he does that by carefully studying our weaknesses and using it against us, which is why it’s so important to face ourselves (Day 9). Do not be like a person who when facing a lion, drops their weapon at the sound of its roar, but rather let your immediate spiritual reaction be that of faith in your ability to fight it.
It seems to me that when we are faced with opposition, we have a spiritual reaction as well, which prepares us for one of two responses: we can take a stance of defense; ready to stay and fight or we can surrender and take whatever the enemy dishes out. Which stance will you take? Do you have confidence in your shield and the power behind you?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (ESV) Joshua 1:9
Be a blessing,
KellyP
We are just a few more entries away from the conclusion of the Champions of Today series. I do hope that you have been blessed so far and if so, I hope you’ll go ahead and share that blessing. Stay tuned for more…
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
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