Know Your Enemy

Ephesians 6:11 NIV

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

The devil will do anything to destroy anyone.  You do not have to be a Christian to draw his attention.  As a Christian, however, you have tools to help you withstand his attacks: the armor of God.

This armor consists of the helmet called salvation, a belt called truth (which comes from knowing God), a shield called faith (which comes from trusting God), a breastplate called righteousness (the courage to do the right things), a sword called truth (God's Word), and feet that carry Good News that brings peace. Seems like a lot to carry until you get to know the enemy.

The devil (aka Satan) deguises himself like a lion in an attempt to deceive us by looking like Jesus.  Augustine said the difference between Jesus and Satan being described as lions is that Jesus is courageous and comes to save while the devil is ferocious and comes to destroy.

Satan prowls like a lion searching for your weaknesses whether it is a temptation, worry or fear.  He roars to make you think that this weakness is larger than it is, and he pounces in an attempt to devour your spirit. But when you are prepared, you can stand, and when you have done everything else you can continue to stand because the enemy is defeated.

God never leaves us weak or unprepared but He does expect us to do our part.  It is vital to our being able to get through our struggles.  Cast your worries to Him, because in our struggles He shows us how much He cares by bearing the weight of those problems or worries.  Stop trying to carry them on your own.  Trust God fully and let Him help.

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