This has been an interesting week. This element of our journey began a few weeks ago with an attack on our living arrangement. Last week unfolded with an attack on our marriage, and this week has revealed an attack on our employment. You may recall that a few weeks ago, it was revealed to me that our family will need two-years worth of income by October of this year; employment has a lot to do with income.
I find it incredibly simple that both my wife and I have experienced the same challenges and emotions relating to our employment. I say it this way because it is no longer a thinly veiled attack, nor is it unique to our respective positions. This is important to note because it reveals something of the adversary’s strategy.
I mentioned last week how the attack on our marriage was totally useless because of the strength of our relationship, both with each other as well with the godhead. It did not take any time to recognize it for what it was, an attack by our adversary, the devil. In like fashion, the attack this week is equally as obvious.
I mentioned at the first of the year that something evil has been released over the earth. It is my personal belief that this evil is a strong signal for the return of Jesus. That is not to say that it will happen today or tomorrow, but it is promised to happen, and many signs point to this time in history as a probable time.
However, that being said, the focus is not on Christ’s return, but the attacking of the adversary on the righteous ones in the earth. I say it this way, because not everyone who calls him or herself Christian, is indeed a follower of Christ. Jesus makes very clear that point in some of his stories about the end of time.
I believe it is the Apostle Peter, who mentions in his writings that the devil knows he only has a short time and will attack the saints of God. To this end, we must be ready for such attacks.
Jesus tells a story of robbing someone who is not prepared. He states that in order to do so, you must first bind-up, or incapacitate the person. Only then is the enemy free to rob the person’s goods. However, if the person is ready, he or she will prevail over the enemy, thus keeping their possessions safe.
These attacks on our family are like this story of Jesus. The intent of the enemy is to steal our possessions—the promises of God that we hold onto—but we are ready for him, so his attempts fail; but how do they fail?
These attacks of the enemy fail because we are ready for them by knowing, and using, the word of God. The Bible clearly calls the word of God a sword. This means that we wield the sword (of the Spirit) against these attacks. Here is how it works.
Words are spoken that trigger a thought, or imagination in our mind. This is an enemy attack. We have to act quickly in order to defend ourselves from this attack; just as you would in a sword battle. This means we decide to “fight” back by using words—scripture words—thereby clashing (as metal striking metal) with the spoken words we have heard. This battle could ensue for several minutes, perhaps even hours, with the victor being the one standing firm.
This means that you may have to repeatedly use numerous verses of scripture to overcome these words. In essence, what happens is that you capture the enemy, and win the battle. Conversely, if you give in to the words, and the ensuing thoughts, you have been captured by the enemy.
It sounds like work, and it is, but necessary at this time in the journey.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, develops (you could even say sharpens the sword) your ability to wield the sword (of the Spirit). Gathering with those who share the same journey also strengthens your skill in wielding this sword.