Standing against the Wiles of the devil...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:10-11


What is wile(s)

1. a trick, artifice, or stratagem meant to fool, trap, or entice; device.
2. wiles, artful or beguiling behavior.
3. deceitful cunning; trickery.

He gets us EVERY TIME.... When will we learn that it is just the wiles of the devil playing us. He lies to us, wants to trap us, discourage us and snare us. He will do anything he can do with cunning satanic variety to weaken us and destroy us. He goes to work daily to produce discouragement, confusion, indifference and imbalance. He is our chief enemy, but deals in wiles and stratagems.

It always happens in relationships. That's where he gets us. Even when we have great marriages, or great friendships, or a great workplace environment... He always tries to get in there and mess with our emotions.

I fell victim to this attempt on Tuesday and it only took me a day to recognize that it was the "wiles of the devil". I refused to stay in offense. I refused to stay upset or defeated. I just overwhelmed the devils attempt to get me to stay mad or angry because I wanted peace and reconciliation more than I wanted to be right or indignant. Does that make sense. I wanted peace and I knew this wasn't about us.

For Ephesians goes on to say in verse 12: Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.

So you know what I did... I prayed for humility and put on the armor of God. Then I went and talked it out and got over it. Score 1 for Lea Anne; zero for the devil... this week!!

Here's the secret weapon!! Ephesians 13-19
That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.

We get to choose whether or not we will live in victory or defeat... Every day we get to choose. It doesn't matter what we did yesterday. Choose today to live in victory and stand up against the Wiles of the devil...

Standing strong.
Lea Anne