Wrestling with Evil

What issues are you wrestling with today?

Today's Scripture:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age.

Ephesians 6: 11-12

When wrestlers compete, they rely on both strength and strategy to overcome their opponent. Even before the match begins, a wrestler takes a moment to size up his opponent, looking for his opponent's potential vulnerabilities, while remaining fully aware of his own. The passage in Ephesians uses the image of a wrestling match to convey the ongoing struggle and preparation that standing strong against evil entails - and it reminds you to be sure that you are fighting the right opponent.

People may do evil things, but your battle is not with individuals. Your battle is with evil itself.

The Ephesians were well-acquainted with principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness - different kinds of evil spirits. The society was heavily involved in sorcery and magic. Even those who chose not to follow God were aware there was some kind of spiritual battle going on behind the scenes of their everyday lives. Ephesians 6 provides readers with God's guidelines on how to effectively fight that battle.

Mixing metaphors between wrestling and fighting a battle, Ephesians 6 instructs you to cover yourself with God given armor. This protective gear is described in more detail in subsequent verses, but it includes things such as truth, righteousness, God's Spirit, God's Word, and prayer. As you choose to don God's armor each day and remind yourself who your opponent really is, you'll find yourself well prepared to hold your ground against evil.

Selah people' and friends being prepared to encounter evil and focusing on it are two different things. Stay focused on God. His Spirit will make you aware of any battles you need to face.

"Peace can be yours when you gird up you loins with the whole armor of God."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston (PreacherPatrick) Via mobile...Mount Olive

Please visit our church website and check out upcoming events like our showing of "Fireproof" on February 15th, 2009 in our Fellowship hall. http://selahchurch.com/ also you can listen to our weekly sermons at: http://cid-af7ecca57d126f50.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Selah%20Christian%20Church%20Sermons%202008%20-%202009?authkey=8dGnZHaIdzk$

As always thanks for sharing this devotion time with us.