Today someone commented on a post from three years ago. She said “That may be the most powerful article I have ever read in my life. It definitely couldn’t be more timely. ”
That made me think I should repost it. Here it is.
Ephesians 6:12
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 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.
Satan uses people like a chess player uses pawns to carry out his schemes. There is no doubt about it. He tried to use Jesus. He will try to use us.
This leaves us with two challenges: 1. To recognize it’s a spiritual fight and see the real enemy. 2. Not be pawns ourselves.
The key to this is to recognize that satan uses folks when they are tired or hurt or discouraged or frightened, when they feel trapped, AND when they are not in Christ. When we are in Christ, people will see Jesus in us. It just happens. It’s not something we do. Jesus acts as our shield and our fortress.
When Satan is using someone, he tries hard not to be seen. We need to use our spiritual eyes and recognize the person causing havoc in our lives as a tired, hurt, discouraged, frightened, trapped and lost person. We need to see the manipulator and not the pawn. The pawn needs our prayers and love. (Yea, I know that’s a tough one.) Jesus takes care of the “great” manipulator; that’s a fight that’s already won.
Our second task is not to be a pawn. When we begin to feel tired, hurt, discouraged, frightened, and trapped, we need to remember we are in Christ who fights our battles and has already won. It’s tough not to get dragged in. We need to be alert and stay fresh, encouraged, courageous and free in Him.
Peace and joy and safety is in Christ and no place else. Those who find themselves outside of Him need our prayers. They are victims, just like we used to be. They are not the enemy, although they sure can seem like it.
Stand and be blessed.
Nick
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