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

An adversary can be defined as one that contends with, opposes, or resists, an enemy or opponent. We have all had individuals and occurrences in our lives that truly get under our skin. The account of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel gives us a perfect example, she had to contend with the onslaughts of her husband Elkanah’s second wife Peninnah, who revelled in the knowledge that she was barren. The scripture tells us “And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.” 1 Samuel 1:6.

You can imagine, every time Peninnah  found an opportunity she had no problem rubbing in Hannah’s face that she was barren; but Hannah ran to the foot of the cross and gave it over to the Lord. On one such occasion, Hannah prayed so intensely that the priest Eli thought she was drunk and inquired about her condition. “And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.”  The scripture tells us that Eli assured her that God would answer her prayers. “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:20.

Facing opposition is a fact of life…the Book of Peter chapter 5 points out our true adversary and admonishes us how to respond to his attacks: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

Therefore, every time we suffer at the hands of another, we must remember that behind the individual lies the true adversary of our souls, Satan, and all his demonic forces –  make not mistake about it, we’re in a spiritual warfare!. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

We must fervently rely on the Holy Spirit to provide the spiritual insight that we need to discern between God’s work and Satan’s hidden schemes. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 also gets right to the point and assures us that our weaponry is spiritual and powered by God!  “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

So, the next time the adversary tries to unsettle and make you fret; spiritually suit up-for we are empowered to win! Ephesians 6:16-17 states “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” 

Finally, my friends, there are three R’s of a Christian soldier that bears remembering: Recognize (the real enemy), Resist (scripture admonishes us to resist the devil and he will flee), and most importantly, Report (like Hannah-take it to the Lord in prayer-the Lord will fight for you!) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.

Blessings and peace be with you all.