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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Our hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings. Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Experts in spiritual Mixed Martial Arts – demons – attack us daily. Ephesians 6:12 OGV
It is hard to stay alert constantly.
Yet Ephesians 6:12 teaches that demonic forces with great expertise and authority are looking for an opportunity to attack. You can’t be spiritually alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – day after day, year after year.
Your adversaries are highly motivated, well-trained, never sleep, and know your weaknesses better than you know them. The Greek word in Ephesians 6:12 for “wrestle” means “close and personal grappling,” such as you see in a boxing ring or a Mixed Martial Arts octagon. In Greek wrestling, two opponents would clench in various holds looking for an advantage.
In hand-to-hand combat, the bigger, better trained, in shape, with greater strategy person wins. The warfare is up close and personal.
This is our battle. All the time, personally attacked by overwhelming foes – what chance do we have? None, if we fight alone.
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31-32 ESV
Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 ESV
Jesus prayed for Peter. Jesus now intercedes for you.
Jesus never sleeps; He is master of the universe. He has already overcome the evil one. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He intercedes for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, day after day, year after year.
You can’t vanquish the evil one and you can’t stay alert at all times, but Jesus has already beaten Satan. He is at the right hand of the Father talking about you right now! Jesus mentions your name to the Father 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Wow!
Considering this, we need to adjust our warfare strategy. Begin to use prayer phrases like:
- Lord, protect me, my family, and this house as I sleep (look at Psalm 4:8).
- Jesus, take the wheel (oops from a Carrie Underwood song but scripturally from Psalm 91:11).
- I pray the blood of Jesus over this __________ (insert your most desperate situation right now). Read Revelation 12:11.
- Jesus, I have sinned. Forgive me. Please grant mercy over the consequences of my actions. Bring your glory to this situation (James 4:6-10).
Be calm; right now a hungry and salivating lion is looking at you!
Don’t run; stand in the name of Jesus. Speak to your freedom, victory over defeat, and healing. Your adversaries in the spiritual realm tremble at the name of Jesus.
Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, right now, praying:
Father protect, bless, save, and heal ______________ (insert name). I know he/she sinned. Forgive _____________ (insert name). Bring blessings! Give ______________ (insert name) your peace, power, and provision right now.
Amen!
Jesus continually speaks your name in the presence of God. Your battle is won. The prayers of Jesus are always answered.