Jonah 2:2-9; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 11:17-44
Ever since humanity’s fall into sin, a battle has raged between evil and the children of God. Our adversary, the devil, fights against goodness and love with powerful weapons. Greed, lust, envy and pride are but a few weapons thrown into the path toward righteousness, causing the faithful to stumble. If those weapons don’t work, then the devil hurls doubt and fear as a second volley. They attack our weakened flesh, attempting to separate us from our faith and trust in the Lord.
Jonah faced several of these weapons on his own, that is until he found himself hopelessly caught up in their trappings. Only then did he acknowledge his fault and call upon the Lord. Mary and Martha stood against one of the devil’s greatest weapons; death, specifically the death of their brother Lazarus. If only Jesus had been there to fight for them.
The truth is, God is ever-present in the lives of his people. The battles waged against us are not skirmishes we are able to win on our own, but they are no match for Christ, who has already won the victory. As we continue our pilgrimage on earth, our Lord supplies us with the whole armor of God. Truth, righteousness, the peace of the gospel and the shield of faith are sure defenses against the flaming darts of the evil one. Calling upon the Lord and living in faith and trust, the victory is ours through Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Be my strength and guide, O Lord, that I may turn from sin and live faithfully according to your Word. Amen.
In the Beginning 