Continual Battle

 Paul’s command to take up the armor of God is followed by these words:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:12 

As we consider the equipment God gives us to do spiritual battle, there is so much to be said that to take it all in at once would mean we would have to go in at least a couple different directions in a single post. Instead of that, my musings may be shorter than usual, but that’s so we can concentrate on a single theme each night. 

That being said, notice that word “wrestle.” I wish I could say that once you’ve resisted temptation, the battle is over; you’ve won. Unfortunately, that word is in the present tense, which means the fight is never completely over. Even if you gain victory in one area, another problem will arise. Whether it’s fear, lust, anger, pride, dishonesty…we must continually be on our spiritual toes. Don’t be surprised or grow weary in the fight; it’s not going to get easier with time. The war continues; only the immediate battleground changes. Fortunately, we worship a God who never sleeps (Psalm 121:4), and is always watching over us, ready to come to our aid if we only ask. We wrestle, but not alone. Our God also fights.