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. Ephesians 6:12 ESV

By: Scott Schuler

I never saw him coming. The impact from the hit sent me flying. According to studies in physics, the speed and weight of tackle force hits at 1600 pounds. And I felt every one of them as I struggled to stand up. The force was a player from an opposing college team who blindsided me. My opponent, the enemy, took me down.

The hits in my walk with Jesus have not been physical. But Satan, the enemy of every believer, takes great delight in blindsiding me. He takes me down in moments of fear, anger, doubt. And his attacks persist in those moments, knowing that’s when I’m weakest.

How has the enemy blindsided you?

Satan knows the hooks of temptation that will lure us into sin. He casts them one by one, lust, greed, gossip, over-indulgence. His battle plan is simple—spiritual paralysis when we swallow the hook that pleases our sinful nature.

The Bible warns us about the enemy (Eph. 6:12). He is fierce and powerful. He wants your heart. The longer Satan keeps us on the hook, the more exhausted we are. Eventually we give up. Not knowing what to do next in our journey with Jesus, we do nothing. Peace vanishes. This is when we stop hearing God. The truth slowly fades.

Peter put it this way: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8. Devour is defined as “causing the complete and sudden destruction of someone or something.”

Without your eyes focused on Jesus, you are likely to return to old, sinful ways. I know this because I’ve walked the path of destruction. But I also know there is hope.

God never stops loving you, even when you don’t love yourself.

Where can you find this hope?

Revelation 22:13 says that God is the “Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end.” He is victorious both now and for all eternity.

Even though the enemy is powerful, God is victorious over evil.

God will imprison Satan in hell. Forever. In that time, he will no longer taunt you.

In the meantime, be faithful to protect yourself from his schemes. Do not fear. And stand firm in the truth of the Bible.

Read it.

Learn it.

Memorize it.

Live it.

Learn about the enemy’s schemes, but focus on Jesus.

Together we point out the enemy’s lies and schemes. Together, as the Church we grow in Christ believing God is in control.

Where has the enemy blindsided you with temptation? Turn to Jesus and ask him to reveal your weakness. Journal what he reveals, asking Jesus to bring healing and protection to these areas of your heart.

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