WEEK 3 - KNOW WHO YOUR REAL ENEMY IS

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places 

2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV - Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

John 8:44 NIV …the devil...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 

Typically, women are known for being the more sensitive & emotional gender. I also know that some of us tend to get a bit more riled up than others (I might be referring to myself here). We were created this way for a purpose. 

It all goes back to the story of Eve in the garden. Why did the serpent (the devil) decide to pick on her instead of Adam? Women were created to be life givers & nurturers. The devil knew God's plan for women, so he decided to strike where it all starts. Life represents creation, creation is from the Creator. The devil has been trying to destroy that from day one.

So instead of a talking snake, today we get mental, physical, emotional & spiritual attacks. Whether it is anxiety attacks, financial stress, marital issues, sickness or feeling distanced from God, we struggle on a daily basis. Sometimes we go through seasons that are a bit easier than others, but don't worry a new one will roll around eventually. It is just a part of being human. 

What the devil wants more than anything is for you to be distracted & not realize where the battle is really located. It is in your mind & he is the reason. The nights that you lie awake wondering why this or why that, or with thoughts of guilt or disgust at yourself for one reason or the other. Those are all lies of the enemy, the devil. 

So even though sister so and so upset you by what she said, the real culprit here is the devil. He wishes nothing but to take your joy in life, so you are depressed & oppressed. 

We must realize that our enemy is not flesh & blood, not sister so and so at church, not your neighbor with the perfect life & kids, not your boss at work or the coworker that you struggle with every day. 

When these attacks come at us, we must recognize them for what they are & pray for God's strength & cast down those thoughts. We must not become a victim to the devil's lies. 

God called us for a higher purpose, whether you have kids or not, you are a life giver & a nurturer. Whether it is your own kids or just a friend, you can speak life into someone today. We can help encourage that sister in God that just had her world come crashing down. We can speak life to our husband as he is on his way out the door to work. 

Refuse to accept the lies of the enemy & decide to give life instead.