Learning to Fight Back

The enemy boasted, “I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.” Exodus 15:9 (NIV)

These words were voiced by the Egyptians as they proclaimed their intentions toward God’s chosen people. I can sense the venom in their words and the thirst for blood in their eyes as they spewed out their supposed conquest and victory. Of course, I delight to know that their threats were undone as they sank to the bottom of the Red Sea in the presence of their intended victims. The celebration of God’s people was profound that day.

God’s Word says that I too have an enemy. He is like a roaring lion and He is out to completely destroy me! Not just disturb, not just bother, not just intimidate….DESTROY! And he delights in his plan. I went to a Prayer Mapping event this weekend and saw so clearly the tactics he uses and the agenda he has. But I also learned how to fight him. I learned how to use my God-given authority to stand up to him. I learned the power of declaring God’s Word over each attack. I learned I don’t have to allow him to take up residence in my territory any longer.

For over forty years, he has delighted in the fact that I was unaware of his methods and schemes. He knew I was not putting on my armor each day and that I didn’t even know what the pieces represented for me. I was like the person standing on the battlefield confused and unprotected because I didn’t know who my greatest enemy was, what weapons were available for me, or how to use the weapons.

His greatest attack and subsequent victories over me have been in the area of my thoughts. How he has twisted and distorted the truth about God, about others, about myself, about my circumstances, and about the design, calling, and gifts of God on my life. In the past I simply tried to ignore him and hoped he would go away. Today I have come out with my armor on and fully intent on using it! He has messed with this daughter of the King far too freely and for far too long. The fight is on!!!

Father, how You must have grieved to see me walk through my days never using the armor or weapons You made so available. You knew the wounds I was sustaining were not necessary (so did the enemy). Now I know it as well! Amen.