Understanding the Enemy
Thursday, October 24
Understanding the Enemy
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. Ephesians 6:12
As we continue to explore Ephesians 6:10-18, it’s essential to grasp the nature of our true enemy. The Bible makes it clear that our battles are not against people, flesh, or blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Often, we may mistakenly think our enemies are those who oppose us or cause us harm. But in reality, our true adversary is much more cunning and deceptive—spiritual forces that are constantly at work to steal our peace, destroy our joy, and pull us away from God.
When we understand that our true enemy operates in the spiritual realm, it becomes clearer why the “armor of God” is necessary. We can’t fight spiritual battles with physical tools or earthly strategies. Instead, we are called to put on the armor that God provides—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and more (Ephesians 6:13-17). These spiritual weapons equip us to stand firm and resist the enemy’s schemes.
Prayer for today: Lord, open my eyes to the war that is happening around me. Help me to fight with the spiritual weapons, not just the physical ones. Help me to rely on Your strength and lean into Your understanding. Help me to trust in Your comfort and protection, especially when life feels overwhelming. Amen.