The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come to give life, life in all its fullness (John 10:10).
If He keeps it that simple, we should not complicate matters. How do we know if the enemy is at work? When we experience theft, killing, and destruction. How do we know if God is at work? When life in all its fullness becomes visible.
The work of the enemy is visible on a worldwide scale. Quite a few things are being stolen from us at the moment: freedom, joy, rights, and privileges, etc. All kinds of diseases are killing people and among things being destroyed are relationships, culture, economy, entrepreneurship, common sense, morals, values, friendships etc.
The Bible warns us ... Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith (1 Peter 5: 8). Folks, it's a spiritual battle we're in. We don't have to blame politicians, world leaders, or health experts for being where we are. They are just doing their best to keep things under control...
👉But we are not called to control the work of the devil, we are called to resist him (if you are a Christian, that is)!
I am amazed that I hardly ever hear a word from within the Christian world about how this whole crisis is the work of the enemy. Yes, I read beautiful, well-meaning, soothing messages about how to cope with the current circumstances, about how to keep our faith, and how to reposition the chairs in our churches at a safe distance. While we walk around in our churches with a measuring stick, the devil goes around devouring people.
I think the message is very simple (read it in James 4: 7):
- Humble yourselves (submit) before God,
- resist the devil,
- and he will flee from you.
The fight is never against people, no matter what position they are in. A believer's fight is against the powers and forces of darkness. Dear friends, if we are not willing to submit to Jesus Christ (who gives life), then we submit to the enemy (who takes life). There is no middle ground!
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6: 12-13).
Marja: The lady who is leading our Sunday school class at present said that this time reminds them of the plaques of Egypt in the Old Testament. I have heard people say what you said about this whole crisis being the work of the enemy. I believe one reason we don't hear this a lot is that the Christian community has become tired of the back-lash from those of the world.
ReplyDeleteHhm, interesting thoughts Cecelia. The plagues in Egypt were sent by God. I don't think this current plague is sent by God, it is the work of the enemy as I stated in my blog. God is patient and still extending His grace to a world without Him. I think we must pray that the enemy's plan gets exposed, so it will loose its power.
DeleteWe are most definitely in a spiritual battle, Marja. Let us put on the full armor of God and resist the devil at all costs!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and thanks for telling it like it is!
The full armor yes, it was given to us for a time like this! Thanks Martha.
DeleteSo true. We react in fear, though we have seen the Lord part the waters. We react in hatred, though the Lord has decreed love. How effective is an angry Christian? As you point out, "He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." and, sadly, succeeding.
ReplyDeleteThe enemy is a deceiver, so we must pray for truth to be revealed and lies to be exposed. Thanks for your comment!
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