Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Through the ages Satan has accused, attacked and battered believers in an effort to prevent them from living to the glory of God. He attempts to snatch the gospel message from a person’s heart even before salvation occurs;

(Matthew 13:19) “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.”

He bombards believers with false doctrine, trying to confuse and distract them from biblical truth; (Ephesians 4:14) “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming”

We are in mortal combat with Satan and his evil forces. That’s why Paul said, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

“Struggle” in that verse speaks of life and death, hand to hand combat, the kind Jesus Himself experienced while on earth. He met opposition and persecution at every turn. The same was true of Paul and the other apostles as they dealt with Jewish religious leaders, heathens, sorcerers, and demon possessed people who tried in vain to hinder and stop their missionary efforts.

Satan’s onslaughts may seem overwhelming at times, BUT don’t be discouraged. See them for what they are: a defeated foe’s last ditch efforts to inflict damage on the conquering army!!!

The Lord will strengthen and protect us, just as He has protected all believers before us.

Today may we walk in the faith and confidence of and in the Lord!