" Strength Against the Enemy "

Isaiah 59:16-19   " And HE saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore HIS arm brought Salvation unto HIM; and HIS righteousness, it sustained HIM. And HE put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon HIS head; and HE put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly HE will repay, fury to HIS adversaries, recompense to HIS enemies; to the islands HE will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and HIS glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. "

     Spiritual warfare is being waged against the saint with great intensity. Satan is leading an attack against GOD's people, and every believer must realize that having the LORD's strength is absolutely essential (Ephesians 6:10). We are wrestling  "against spiritual wickedness in high places,"  and the only way to win that spiritual struggle is through prayer, with the WORD, and by the LORD (Eph. 6:11-18). Our text reminds us that when the enemy comes in  "like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" (v.19). It is also good to remember that  "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" - not of the flesh - but are  "mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds" (2nd.Cor.10:4). Because of this glorious fact, every obedient believer can be sure of victory (1st.Cor.15:57; 2nd.Cor.2:14). While we cannot stand against, or even repel, the enemy in our own strength, by the LORD's strength and with the weapons that HE provides, we can boldly move forward to the battle without fear.

     We must realize, however, that even a fully equipped soldier cannot prevail in any battle if his attitude is one of passivity or carelessness. Sadly many believers today, rather than resisting the devil (1st.Peter 5:9), have fallen into the trap of seeking neutrality in spiritual conflicts and refusing to  "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Such disobedience to the Bible's plain teachings presents the enemy of our souls an undeserved advantage. We must always  "hold the fort"  in GOD's strength and resist the devil, our powerful and deceptive enemy. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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