BETWEEN THE LINES a frontline devotional

True Enemy

Day 23

“For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.”

– Ephesians 6:12

When we come up against opposition from others, it can be difficult to look past the person and see the soul inside. Our flesh naturally reacts to the person we see who was rude to us in the store or is gossiping about us behind our back. We may become angry or resentful and respond in a way that we might regret. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our opponents are not physical but spiritual.

Even though it may feel like we are fighting in the flesh, it is in the spirit where we have our victory. The Holy Spirit can help us discern what spirit we are up against so that we can speak against it and tell it to go. We have been given the authority through Christ Jesus to do this, but don’t forget that, although someone may be allowing themselves to be used as a tool of the enemy, they are still a soul that God loves. He does not want to see them perish. We speak against the spirit operating in them and pray that the person allows the Holy Spirit to change them.

Today I want to challenge you to practice responding in prayer instead of reacting in resentment when someone does something that bothers you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray for that person and give you discernment and compassion. In the end, we have the victory against the real enemy; the devil himself.

Let your light shine,

Bre

Harvest Church