The Enemy's Agenda

Did you know there's a target on your back?  

Every Christian has one because Satan is skillfully trying to take us down. Last week's post The Enemy of Our Souls, exposed his deceitful character. 

Remember Peter warned us-
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

Now that we know he's the enemy, we need to understand his horrid agenda. Plain and simple, to separate us from the Father, create doubt, and lead us astray. 

Why? Because ruining us, snuffs out the Light of Christ we share in this dark world. 

How do we avoid the Adversary's cunning tactics? Glad you asked.

Paul lays out a clear and concise battle plan for us in Ephesians 6:10 - 18. Here's a few of my favorite observations-

• In verse 11, Paul answers why we need a battle plan. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Remember that target on your back. Satan is scheming to shoot straight and not miss. He has a plan. Do you? 
• In verse 13, Paul warns us, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything you can, to stand." Notice Paul doesn't say "if" but "when" the day of evil comes. Relentless should be the serpent's middle name. Are you ready?
• In verse 16, Paul instructs, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Satan bombards us with his best fiery shots and if we've picked up the shield of faith, God extinguishes every single one. How's your shield?

This is how I see the scene plays out. 

The sneaky snake schemes and tricks me onto the battlefield. I fling my measly arms and ultra ego and hope for the best. Then I remember Paul's advice and put on the whole armor of God including my shield of faith. 

The King of Kings enters the battle and snuffs out every blazing arrow. The sleezy snake slithers away. Smack down on Satan. 

And a high-five to my King. 

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14. 

And my Defender!!

How's your battle going? What tactics do you use to win? Join the conversation and let's become more efficient warriors of the King. 

Tammy Van Gils plants words and grows insightful stories blooming with hope. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She's honored to be a guest blogger and also a contributor to The Wonders of Nature Devotion Book (Dec 2016) and So God Made a Dog (July 2017) Worthy Inspired.