More Than Conquerors

It’s hard to imagine yourself as a soldier in ancient times walking onto a battlefield where swords, spears, daggers, flails, bows and arrows, and shields of your enemy abound, and yet you stand there, in light clothing, with no shoes, boots or head covering, while your foe is in full charge toward you, his eyes full of blood lust and bent on your destruction. One quickly wonders, ”How could anyone be so foolish?”

And yet many Christians, on a daily basis, face the most cunning and diabolical foe in the history of the Universe, unarmed and unprepared, for the destructive consequences of their naivety and lack of armor. We mistakenly think that people and institutions or organizations are our enemy, and we try to deal with spiritual foes in human ways and our own methods.

The truth is that centuries ago, the Apostle Paul identified the real enemy of God’s children, and he, our real enemy, is far from human. This enemy understands us, for he has had over 6,000 years to study human nature. Our enemy, formable as he may be, has none of the attributes of God. He is neither omnipresent, omniscient, nor omnipotent. He is far from being anything like God, and he is the embodiment of evil itself. He is the Devil, and he has legions of evil, demonic principalities, and horrible powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, who hasten to do his bidding. He and his legions are relentless in their attacks against all that is good and holy. In our time, these “end times,” this onslaught of wickedness is increasing at breathtaking speeds.

Paul was clear in his warning to the Ephesians, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Your enemy Christian, is not a man or woman, but you are dealing with spirits of evil that inhabit unregenerate hearts that are far from God. These spirits of evil have been in the world for centuries. They can be quiet and subtle or loud and aggressive, but their intent is the same, to hinder and stop you from being the victorious Christian God has called you to be.

You must know this. God has given you armor to protect you and make you a winner in all battles. You are not without resources. You are called and anointed to be triumphant. According to Ephesians 6, you have a “belt of truth” to tighten your resolve and by which you are held together. You have a “breastplate of righteousness” to protect your heart and innermost being from evil, and your feet are “shod with the gospel of peace” upon which you can stand with a clear conscience and perfect tranquility, knowing assuredly you are in God’s army. Your “shield of faith” will protect you, with unshakable belief, in the God that you are serving, even when fiery arrows of hate and disruption are assailing you.

Finally, your knowledge of God’s word is your “Sword of the Spirit” by which you vanquish your foul foe. Remember that when Jesus quoted the scripture to the Devil in the wilderness of temptation in Matthew, Chapter four, it was then that “the Devil left Him.” There’s more power than you can imagine in the word of God. Read it, memorize it and pray over what you have read, for the Holy Spirit will bring it to your memory when you need it most.

Remember, God is on your side. In Daniel Chapter 10, the Bible tells us how a demonic hierarchy over Persia fought with the Angel Gabriel for three weeks to prevent Daniel’s answer to his prayer, but God sent the mighty archangel Michael to overcome this hindering spirit, and the answer came in God’s time to God’s child. Psalms 30:5 reminds us “that weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will win.

Lastly, a scripture for God’s soldiers, both young and old…..”We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
(Romans8:37). You better believe it, my friend.

General Director

Dr. David M. Griffis