One morning at the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) base near Tijuana, Mexico, the staff and students were taught self-protection moves. That area has a reputation for being rough, and tighter security measures, like a nightly patrol, had been implemented at the base. The base security team refreshes their defense training yearly.

Terry and I practised together. The manoeuvres seemed complicated to me. All that I can really remember for practical purposes is that, if someone attacked me, I should put up both hands, fingers extended and call out, "No violence!" I wasn't convinced that I would ever need the other complicated information.

On the other hand, in the spiritual realm, we definitely need defense measures against attacks. However, such attacks are a good sign that we belong to God's army and that we are being effective in our fight against evil.

1 Peter 5:8 – Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (NLT)

Ephesians 6:12 – We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)

Our great enemy looks for ways to attack, not necessarily physically, but in every other way. We don't have to be afraid of the devil's attacks, however, because God has provided us with His armour and His power against evil forces.

Terry and I just pretended to face the enemy in our practice session, but spiritually, we need to follow Paul's instructions for real: take a stance and put on our spiritual armour.

Ephesians 6:14-17 – Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NLT)

At every opportunity, the enemy sends fiery arrows our way. He causes discouraging and condemning thoughts and doubts to come into our minds. We can raise up our shield of faith and imagine those arrows deflecting off it — ting! ting! — as they fall powerless to the ground. As well, quoting Scripture is our greatest offensive weapon. Say God's Word aloud — it is powerful!

Ephesians 6:18 – Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)

Above all, let us not forget to pray!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your wonderful provisions against the evil one. Help us to use them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Alice Burnett <terrencera.burnett@gmail.com>
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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