“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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” (Ephesians 6:10-13, ESV).
This passage offers encouragement, especially in these times of uncertainty due to the worldwide pandemic and economic challenges. We find strength in the power of the Lord. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers who work in opposition to God. While they are a defeated army (Christ won the victory over death, hell, and the grave on the cross), they continue to fight. We see evidence of this battle in our culture.
The true character and convictions of our leaders are being exposed. Many national and state leaders are wrestling with where their powers begin and end, raising constitutional issues. In addition to the health and safety concerns of the pandemic are economic issues related to unemployment, government stimulus plans, small business needs, etc. I’ve grown weary of all the political posturing in regard to the pandemic. Some of the very people who worked hard to down play the virus before the pandemic are now expressing outrage because the government didn’t act more quickly. When the spread of the virus was escalating out of control, many encouraged the faith communities to pray. Now, some leaders have even declared that God and faith had nothing to do with the flattening of the pandemic curve, claiming it is all destiny, hard work, pain and suffering, science, and math. Yet the models based on hard work, science, and math have proven to be wrong time and time again.
In the midst of this turmoil, we need to be aware of the enemy’s schemes and to keep our focus on God who gives us strength in the power of his might.
- Satan is the father of lies. It should not surprise us when world leaders under the influence of the enemy are deceitful. We need to pray that the truth will be revealed and that people will follow the truth.
- The devil questions, twists, and contradicts the Word of God. This strategy was employed by the enemy in the garden of Eden, a strategy that Satan has never forsaken. We need to read and trust the Word of God as true and authoritative.
- The enemy encourages self-sufficiency. He deceives us to believe that we control our destinies. One thing this virus has taught most people is that we are not in control. As believers, we must rely on the sovereign God of the universe who is in control.
- Fear is the opposite of faith and leads to defeat. When you are afraid, ask the Lord to turn your fear into faith. If we really trust God, there is nothing to fear.
- Satan’s primary target is the mind. That is where temptation, despair, and defeat begin. 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages believers to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. Our thoughts need to be liberated from the enemy’s influence by the power of Christ and submitted to his Lordship. Keep your eyes on Christ rather than the temptations you encounter. You always gravitate toward what you focus on.
- The devil will lure and seduce you to sin. Then he immediately becomes your accuser. He wants you to live a defeated life, paralyzed because of your past sins. He wants you to believe that God could never use you because of the sin in your past. If we repent and confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The power of God sets us free from the dominion of sin. Every time Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. He is a defeated foe. God will set you free through faith and repentance.
- The enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy. He would like nothing more than to destroy your reputation, your family, and your ministry. He heaps guilt and self-condemnation on believers. He is out to steal your joy. The joy that we have as believers comes from the Lord and transcends our circumstances.
- Satan wants to create division, disharmony, and doubt. He attacks churches in this way. In times of distress, the church is more vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. During these days under the stay at home order, remain connected to your church. Use social media and other technologies to worship and pray together. Take the initiative to talk with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Make it a priority to read the Scriptures, allowing God to speak to you. Pray with passion for your church.
- Pray for the lost. Many people are facing questions about life and death in greater ways during the pandemic. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the truth of the glorious gospel of Christ (2 Cor 4:4). Pray to the Lord of the harvest to draw people to faith and repentance. Share in gospel conversations at every opportunity.
Ephesians 6:13-20 describes the armor of God. Read this passage and put on the full armor of God every day so that you can withstand the attacks of the enemy.
What are other ways you see the enemy at work through this pandemic? I’d love to hear from you.