The late Warren Wiersbe once observed, “Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground and that he faces an enemy who is much stronger than he is—apart from the Lord.” The Christian life is a spiritual struggle. Problems, suffering, and persecution are a normal feature on the menu of Christian living in a fallen world. Our faith journey is not only a walk but a battle.
While ministering in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul encountered an unusual amount of demonic activity, leading him to address the matter in his letter to the Ephesians. His encouragement to them remains valid for us as we seek to live a life worthy of our calling.
As believers, we serve a mighty God and we can rest in the Lord, allowing Him to strengthen us and strengthening ourselves in Him by remaining grounded in the Lord and availing ourselves of the tools He has provided us to weather the storms wrought on by our spiritual nemesis.
Our God provides our spiritual armor and weapons, but we must recognize the daily spiritual battle we face and avail ourselves, by faith, of the resources the Lord has provided. We must rest our trust in Him for victory doesn’t depend on us alone but in God Himself.
While we recognize that as people of faith we are in a spiritual battle, we must avoid falling into the trap that the Devil causes everything and that no personal evil exists. Neither of these is true. Satan is not omnipresent nor omniscient. He is a being that is created and controlled. Scripture is clear that the battles we face come from three primary sources: a) the fallen world, b) the Devil, and c) ourselves (our hearts and flesh). Some of the troubles we face are due to the fact that we live in a fallen world that abounds in peril, anguish, and heartbreak. Imminent disasters lurk around every corner. Or at least it sure seems like it at times. And yes, Satan seeks to reclaim lost territory by derailing us and attempting to thwart us as we pursue to live a life pleasing to God. But, in addition to the snares and traps of the world and the schemes of the devil, we are often our own worst enemy because we seek to satisfy our own sinful desires.
That said, we must be sure to venture into battle fully equipped in the protection the Lord has provided to us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your providential provision for us. Please help me remember to rest in Your mighty power, abiding in Christ for strength, and trusting the Holy Spirit to walk with me through the battlegrounds we face in this life. You are my all in all and You are on the side of those who love You and proclaim Your glory. Forever and ever, Amen.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
Source(s):
Wiersbe, Warren W. (19890. The Bible Exposition Commentary. 2 vols. Wheaton: Scripture Press, Victor Books. Colorado Springs, CO.
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The Devotional Guy™ 
I like how you said that sinful things are caused by living in a broken world, Satan, and our own sinful desires. Some people blame everything on Satan, but we are our own worst enemy oftentimes.
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Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I think part of our fallen state hinders our willingness to take responsibility for the choices we make and the consequences they bring about. It’s easier to blame someone or something else. Not all the time, not always. Blessings.
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I frequently read Ephesians in Chapter 6. Paul writes with a strong purpose to prepare us for battle.
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