I write this blog post today with a heavy heart. From personal past experience, I have seen that when we allow the enemy a foothold into our heart, mind and/or home, the results are devastating. I’m reminded of this after a tragedy occurred in Amador County late Monday night. I’m not going to address the details, assign blame or judgment. Only God knows what truly went on in the hearts of all those involved in the situation. But the end result is that four young people have lost their parents and the legacy will be one that will most likely affect them forever. That, my friends, is the work of the enemy. He got a foothold into that family and wreaked havoc with seven lives.
Sadly, there are too many people, Christians included, who do not believe that Satan roams the world—that he can and does create mayhem in order to nullify our mighty God. Years ago, I was taught about the Angelic Conflict in a bible study I was attending, something I’d never heard of before. Satan’s goal is to bring more people to him, and he uses any and every technique to do so. In my previous life (before I became a Christian) I did not understand this concept. When my family fell apart, I blamed my ex-husband for walking out. But he was just a pawn Satan used in an attempt to win us to his side. In our case, it backfired. Yes, there was some collateral damage, which I believe God will redeem in his time. But through this experience, I became a strong Christian, and I believe my ex-husband did, as well.
My point is that we need to pay attention to the spiritual warfare that goes on behind the scenes day in and day out. And if you think you’re immune because you’re a Christian, think again. Ephesians 6:10-18 is written to believers, not un-believers. 6:12 says For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This, of course, is not a pass for our behavior—“The devil made me do it” response to poor behavior or choices. Yes, the enemy gets a foothold, but if we put on the full armor of God, as Paul commands in Ephesians 6:10, then we have every tool at our disposal to combat evil.
It takes just one thought—one moment of self-pity or anger or dissatisfaction—for the enemy to take hold. But we have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead at our disposal. 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, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
If you are not familiar with these verses, or even if you are, I urge you to study them. There is a wonderful bible study by Priscilla Shirer called The Full Armor of God. I highly recommend it. Because it is only too clear with the evil in our world, that Satan is ramping up his plan. Don’t become another of his victims.
Comments 4
Thank you for voicing the truth, a good reminder for us all.
My heart goes out to the victims of this tradgedy. My prayers are with them.
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I don’t think most of are aware of how powerful prayer really is. I have to believe that God is in the midst of this and will redeem the loss.
Hi Jen, I agree 100%. Satan is The Destroyer. We need to constantly be on the alert to his tactics, keep our armor firmly in place, don’t let resentments build up in our marriage, and be intentional in our relationship with the Lord. Wayne and I have known Brad and Mary since 1994 when they first came to our church and before they were married. Dustin and Brad became close friends when Brad was our Jr High leader. Later, when Dustin was older, Brad became Best Man along with Dillon, in his wedding, 15 years ago. Over the years and especially the past 5, our hearts have been sickened to see the change in Mary’s appearance as it seemed her god had become her body.
Brad visited our church 2 weeks ago and shared with Rosie and I that his marriage was falling apart, that Mary had left him. I prayed intensely for him and asked him if he was getting counseling, which he said he was from 2 sources. Dustin reached out to him a week ago via the phone. Many people were reaching out. Our hearts are saddened and sick as we know Satan was involved in a huge way. Of course we know he’s subtle and crafty and hits us where we’re weak. SO many lessons to learn in this tragedy. May we each examine our hearts, our walk, wrong attitudes, bitterness, unforgiveness, so as not to allow a foothold, as you said.
Wednesday night was such a comfort at the Candle Light Vigil. So many people from Calvary’s past. Ministry was happening on the field that night as people cried, prayed, and shared memories together. “What the Enemy meant for evil, God will use for good”. I believe in time we will see “Beauty from Ashes” but in the meantime, our hearts break for the children. The funeral is this coming Wed. Please keep us all in your prayers.
PS. Wish we could process over lunch, and share our insights.
Much love to you, Jennifer.
Corlis
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I wish I was there to be with you all. There is a healing when it’s shared that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with those children every day and for the community that we both love.