The Source

Ephesians 6 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore.

An there it is in black and white. The answer to many of life's questions. The cause of most conflicts; the source of much confusion; the root cause of jealousy, bitterness and anger. It is so simple. My real conflict is with my real enemy.

Bless our hearts. It really is a miracle that any of us make it through this life. Most of us carry such heavy burdens of personal baggage from our past in the form of past failures, abuse, guilty consciences, to inner thoughts of weaknesses or physical flaws that haunt us. Add to that just the stresses of life, good and bad. From busy parenting to the responsibilities of owning a home, to traffic and budgeting in a tight economy. Along with that we face illness and injury or loss of loved ones from disease or death. We juggle jobs, families and faith. And if that is not sufficient to cause a mental breakdown....

I Peter 5 Be sober minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

We have a formidable enemy, capable of plaguing mind and body, and his desire is to crush you. To destroy you. And if you want to really feel the fire of his fury determine in your heart to commit your way to Christ.

But what if during our struggles we were given a change of perspective. What if we realized that we were not really battling our families, our coworkers or our neighbors; we are really in a battle with our true enemy, the devil.

For we do not struggle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

If you claim the name of Christ you have a powerful enemy. He lives to cause discord among the brethren, among families and within your own thoughts. He longs to draw us into conflicts and confusion, doubt and fear. He is the stealer of happiness, peace, contentment and joy. He hinders the work of our church and personal ministries.

But you have an all powerful defender who has equipped you with armor and sword for your defense.

Ephesians 6 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit.

Father when I feel conflicted within myself or with others, when I feel overwhelmed with this life, when I grow weary of my emotional baggage, I ask that my Helper will remind me of this truth. My real and only enemy is the devil and he is temporary. I also have an anchor and a set of armor given to me by my all powerful Father. And having put it on and having done all to stand, stand firm therefore in His strength.