It seems as a Believer there is outwardly more conflict, arguments, accusations and battles to fight. The Bible does mention at least three types of battles we will engage in:
1. Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against rulers of the darkness..
2. 1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith..
3. Matthew 16:24 - ...let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.
James 4:1 - ....the source of quarrels and conflicts...your pleasures that wage war in your members. (The war of denying self or flesh).
So we have a wrestling match with the enemy, a good fight of faith with the Lord, and a war with ourselves. I think that is plenty to deal with! However, in relationships, internet, emails, texts, television, Facebook, conflicts are increasing. It did not seem like the conflicts and confrontations were quite so openly aggressive, numerous or intense with people in the past. Now, instead of dealing with conflict internally in our mind and intellect, we have more issues to deal with outwardly from others.
I want to address a few of the enemy's tactics, who is hoping to bring more turmoil and strife
into your life. He will:
a. Entice you to sin - this leaves an open door for some unpleasant consequences.
b. Create doubt - whether God really loves you. The implied message would be if God really loved you then your difficult situations would not be happening. The enemy's goal is to get you to prove your worth to God by performing and doing things so He will love you and bless you; instead of knowing and resting in your worth and value, that you are already loved by Him!
c. Accusations - accuse you of anything, so that you will respond demonically with the same ungodly communication (sin). The accuser of the brethren will put you down, criticize and name call, by creating fear or anger. The most effective attacks are in areas where you have unresolved wounds, which cause you to become defensive and offended which may cause you to use contempt in your response.
d. Hit your strength if all else fails - the enemy can encourage you to step out too quickly in your anointing before God's timing. You can also move in presumption, assuming the Lord is behind you when He hasn't yet spoken. The enemy loves to watch you function in your pride by judging others and condemning their heart, when it hasn't been revealed yet.
1st Corinthians 10:5 - We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Each day you are given an opportunity to be consciously aware and take every thought captive. The wrestling match is still in your mind, but it has also invaded your environment. Let's be prepared for the battles so we can be victorious and respond righteously!
In His Covenant Love,
