Daniel 10:12,13
‘Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in my way for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”‘
These verses are speaking of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These are the devil and his demons. They hate God, therefore they are against all that God loves, people.
Jesus in John 10:10 speaks of the mission of the devil, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” Jesus gives life, His Word breeds it. He wants us to love each other and spread His Word to others. The devil wants division, jealousy and envy. The devil whispers to us and creates strife.
How are we to respond? Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” With this armor God wants us to stand firm. We aren’t to fall back or lose our trust. The armor repels the attacks. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Most attacks come as thoughts. When they run wild in our minds they create anger and anxiety. Take those captive. Pour love on them. Bring faith in. Praise God.
Some of the weapons in Ephesians 6 are prayer and the Word of God. God wants us to pray. Ask Him for help and guidance. He will give it. Pray for others. We are also to read and apply God’s Word. The Word gives us comfort, direction and guidance. When we take thoughts captive, we replace them with God’s Word.
We are to pray and intercede for others. We pray that they would be released from their issues and God gives them peace. This is love in action. A lyric from Tauren Wells’ song says, “Taking back what the enemy stole”. That’s what we are doing.
The earlier verse says that Jesus wants us to have life and more abundantly. This is amazing. It begins with His peace and joy. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It may not make sense that we have His peace, but we do. It’s part of His presence. It’s what He brings to His children. In John 15:11 Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” The devil wants chaos, confusion.
We get all these blessing when we follow Him. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Follow Him, obey Him, cast off selfishness and sin.
Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings and Your abundant life. Thank You for Your help in the spiritual warfare. Help us to focus on You and to stand firm.