Caught Off-Guard?

Have you ever been blind-sided, hit by something you didn’t expect? Falsely accused? Past suddenly brought up? Somebody says something about you that is cutting or harsh or simply unnecessary? You know what I’m talking about. Most of us have been in just such a situation a time or two. Seems when you least expect it, it hits you the hardest and fastest!

It happens much the same way in the spiritual realm. Satan and his demonic forces are constantly looking for an opportunity to catch you off-guard—to blind-side your faith—to shake you up and to create a sense of spiritual fright within you.

Notice what the Scripture says: “One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them” (Job 1:6 NLT). The Accuser, Satan, presents himself before God attempting to wreak havoc upon the life of anyone he possibly can—seeking out someone to blind-side—to catch off-guard.

With this in mind, we must always be on-guard—always prepared for whatever he may throw our way. Paul entreats us to: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Peter warns us to: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Even James addresses the issue by encouraging each of us to: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

These warnings are a loud alarm for God’s people to be constantly aware of the ongoing tactics and activity of the evil one attempting to disrupt and destroy anyone and anything he can. Paul takes and additional step forward encouraging all believers to: “put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil” (Ephesians 6:13).

Notice there is no “if” the enemy strikes; it is “when” the enemy strikes. War and conflict with the evil one is inevitable for the true follower of Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages our constant preparedness by using phrases like: “Be strong in the Lord…stand your ground…be fully prepared…stay alert and be persistent” (vv. 10-18). In addition, he sounds a stark reminder that: “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (v. 12).

We have no excuse for being caught off-guard by the devil and his evil ways. God has given ample warnings, declarations of preparedness as well as made provision for the equipment necessary to combat the enemy and to carry us through to victory.

Notice an important aspect revealed in Hebrews 11:7 about being obedient to God. The Scripture tells us: “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.”

Noah encountered something that had never happened before. God warned him and in obedience, he responded and by so doing, his entire family was saved from the wrath that doomed the rest of humanity.

The warning cry detailing the acts and nature of the evil one has been sounded. We have no reason to fear or dread what he may attempt to inflict upon us. Rather, we simply place our trust in the Lord and obey His instructions to prevent our lives from being blind-sided by him.

Scripture Reading: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank You that You are always here for me. I thank You that You have given me warnings to be aware and to be prepared. I pray my spiritual eyes will always be in tune with my surroundings, prepared to encounter and defeat the enemy wherever he may decide to strike. Thank You, Lord, for Your love and goodness, Your mercy and grace. Thank You for the armor that You have provided and clarity of direction to fend off the evil one. I thank You for the victory that is mine through my Lord Jesus Christ. I love and praise You in all things…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!