Crispy Critters

Illustrating a Truth of Kingdoms in Conflict

All scripture citations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

Did you know that you have a personal enemy, even legions of enemies, who know all of your weaknesses and will stop at nothing to bring you down?  Sure these creatures will burn "to a crisp" one day, but in the meantime we have been given free will in a real world that is besieged by an invisible enemy (Ephesians 6:12). None of us volunteered to be involved in this war—we were born into it! We can learn to fight in the great battle of our age, or we can be rendered ineffective, taken captive, or destroyed.

In his day Joshua embraced the call as he understood it to "fight the good fight of faith." He boldly declared that the giants they were facing would be "bread for us" and demonstrated this principle of the spiritual life: that by learning to overcome the enemy we actually grow stronger!

Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them." Numbers 14:9

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

Prayer

Father, You know that part of me would prefer not to have to fight these battles of the spiritual life. Whenever it is possible take this cup from me; nevertheless, may Your will be done. I ask for every grace that You supply, especially courage and patient perseverance, and timely reminders to put Your armor on! Thank You for all of the ways that You are training my hands and my heart for those conflicts with the enemy that cannot be avoided. May I always trust that You are also fighting with me and for me. I fully accept this calling upon my life: to fight the good fight of faith.

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