How do you respond to the sneak attacks of life?
The other day we had storms rolling in, so I moved to the safety of the front porch for protection. However, the front porch was anything but safe as we had a hornet's nest hidden under the arm of the furniture. Although they were uninvited, they banded together to defend their territory.
For a moment, they had a victory as I could not stay and continue to get stung. Going inside, I changed my clothing and put medicine on all the stings. However, what they did not know was that their victory was only fleeting.
When Mark arrived home and found out what had happened, he grabbed the wasp spray and went on a hunt. Mark destroyed their illegal homes and ushered them into their eternal destiny.
Scripture is clear that we have an enemy and that enemy has an assignment.
For 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. <1>
The enemy's assignment is to sting you enough that you give up, and they hold the ground. However, their occupancy, in any area of your life, is illegal. Earlier in Ephesians 6, we are commanded to be strong, and put-on God's armor, and stand.
When I went to sit on the front porch, if I had on a bee-keepers suit, I would not have received the stings; I would have stood amid the attack. That is an excellent picture of what God's armor does for us. I suggest that there is another component to this. Every place where I set my feet belongs to Heaven. I need to accept the authority given to me because of Jesus's death and resurrection, and the demonic must flee. Why? Because I stand on, "But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!” <2>
<1> Ephesians 6:12. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
<2> Isaiah 54:17. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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